The Dragons Egg : XVI : Time Reversed : Eveline : Draft

XVI

Time Reversed

Eveline

A light north-eastern wind swept it’s away across the bay of Peel, and the waves beautifully curled, crashed against the white sand, soaking the toes of Eveline, who stood quite still, her golden eyes cast out to the horizon. Summer was close, but in her heart Eveline felt the bitter chill of winter. It had been two days since her chance encounter with the magical door, in which she had seen two versions of her future that both included a son, who happened to be living within the same castle as she, only not as a babe but as a fully grown man who was in the eyes of many seen as a murderer. Since that night, Merlin and Welwyn had disappeared from sight, the druids unable to tell Eveline were exactly they were. She had searched the castle a dozen times, had eaten within the hall and had fervently asked her friends for their aid, but to no avail. Her son and the great wizard of earth had gone and she was at a loss as to what to do next. Common sense and a fear of the other two doors had kept her from fulfilling her curiosity, but as she stood with her toes arched into the cold sand below, she felt a yearning deep within, a yearning to return to the door and find out what the other two smaller doors had within. Her eyes heavy, she lifted her left hand and looked down at the small golden band upon her fourth finger.

“There you are!”

Eveline turned her eyes and found William striding across the bay, his face filled with merriment.

“I’ve been looking everywhere for you! Edward is awaiting you,” William said loudly as he came to stand before Eveline, his golden hair dancing about in the light wind and his blazing green eyes aflame. “You have that look about you…”

“Excuse me?” Eveline returned with a flick of her brow.

“That look you had two nights ago, you remember?”

“I am simply deep in thought that is all,” Eveline said with a shrug. “I am allowed to think yes?”

“Oh god yes, by all means, but…” William stuttered as he folded his arms before him. “I am a professor and one of our many qualities is in reading our students body language and you my dear have all the signs of a women in fear…so please explain yourself?”

“You’re not one for tact are you Mr Talbot?” Eveline smiled softly as she scooped back a handful of auburn curls.

“Unfortunately no, I am too direct for my own good…maybe that is why the ladies adore me so very much,” William teased, his eyes unable to sparkle. “But do please try and explain just what is going on inside that head of yours.”

“If I tell you, you are to promise me to secrecy, yes?” Eveline asked seriously.

“Of course, unless your life is in danger, then I would be answerable to Heiden…and we know how that turns out.”

Eveline furrowed her brows in confusion.

“You were saying?” William said with a smile.

“Two nights ago after my lessons with Edward, I got lost on my way down to the hall with Bran…”

“Your new pet?”

“Yes my new pet…” Eveline sighed. “Anyway I found myself aimlessly walking down a rather narrow corridor when I saw a door.”

“Okay…”

“It wasn’t just any door, it was different,” Eveline went on to say as she studied Williams face. “It was larger than usual and had old English runes written over the arch in gold.”

“How strange…”

“Indeed, but what was stranger was that when I said the words aloud the door opened to reveal a further three doors within. Each were smaller than the main, but were also decorated with golden runes above the arches,” Eveline said, dropping her eyes to the sand. “The first door was engraved with a full moon and sun, the second had four large eight – pointed stars that encircled a large sun, which engulfed a crescent moon within and the third door to the right had only one symbol, which was a hand.”

“I think I may know of the door you speak of,” William said with a serious expression upon his face.

“You do?”

“I think I may,” William replied carefully. “When I was a student here some years ago, I remember an old priest telling me about the four doors of earth, all of which were positioned all over the world. These doors were so ancient and so powerful that only the four great guardians of earth could wield them, Merlin being one. I asked the priest about the door and what its purpose was and he said to me, that the one who could open the door would be able to walk between time and space. It strikes me that you have also maybe encountered this very door…”

“I think you may be right, it is for this very reason that I have been looking everywhere for Merlin, but he has disappeared without a word and has taken Welwyn with him,” Eveline said with desperation. “He has taken my son.”

“Your son?” William asked with a confused gaze. “I did not know that you had a son?”

“Neither did I, not until I entered the very last door in which I was faced with two versions of my future, both of which included my son,” Eveline said deeply, her eyes wide and urgent.

“How do you know he is you son and what prey tell did you see? Is that why you are afraid?” William pushed, now stepping closer to Eveline, all traces of merriment and joy gone from his eyes. Eveline turned away from William in shame.

“I cannot speak of what I saw, but I can tell you truthfully that Merlin is protecting my son,” Eveline said, her words laced with emotion. “In one version of my future, he is the child of my betrothed but in the other, he is the child of my half – brother.”

“I cannot pretend to know what it is you saw, but if you speak truth, then this man, this child, he holds the key to the future,” William said softly. “But why is he here? And how is it possible for him to be a man, when you have not yet given birth to him?”

“That is what I am trying to figure out myself,” Eveline said with a groan. “The only one who can give me the answers I seek has fled the island.”

“Well then, there is only one thing to do…”

“Which is?” Eveline asked aloud, turning her golden gaze to the young professor, who was now scratching his head in thought.

“You must go back to the door and find the answer,” William said with a nod of his head.

“I cannot go through the door…I am afraid of what I will learn,” Eveline said with a shake of her head.

“Eveline, I know that you fear what it is you may see, but don’t you think it is somehow strange that you and your son have somehow found each other? Don’t you think you should investigate?”

“But he is gone!”

“Eveline, let me speak with the others, we may be able to help if you allow us?” William said with desperation, his hands outstretched and shaking. “The axis of this world are changing, I do not believe for a moment that you and your son have met out of sheer coincidence; there must be a reason.”

“Will you come with me?” Eveline asked hesitantly, as she turned to her friend.

“I will come with you yes,” William said as he shook his head slowly. “I may not be allowed to enter the door, but I can certainly wait for you?”

“And you will help me to find my son?”

“I will certainly try my best,” William returned with sincerity. “I do not know why you didn’t come to us sooner…”

“I have placed you all in a dangerous situation as it is, I did not want to put you under further strain,” Eveline said with weary eyes.

“It is our job to look after you, we knew the risks involved,” William said with a seriousness. “You must trust us, we are strong enough to help you bare the troubles you face.”

“I am hesitant to put those closest to me in danger, especially after the events of this past year.”

“Eveline don’t you see...” William smiled tenderly. “You put us in greater danger when keeping us at a distance. How can we protect you if you won’t allow us?” Eveline did not know how to answer her friend, but as she looked into his mischievous eyes, she understood the oath he and his closest friends had sworn.

“I am still a hundred steps behind everyone, and I am meant to be out in front, leading,” Eveline whispered softly, the sea breeze biting at her eyes. “I am paying the price of my own ignorance.”

“I think you confuse ignorance with enlightenment, don’t you?” William asked, his head slightly tilted to one side. “If you were ignorant, you wouldn’t be here learning now would you?”

“I suppose,” Eveline smiled. “When I return to my world, I am afraid that I will find myself quite lost…afraid that those who are awaiting my arrival will find themselves disillusioned.”

“You need to lower your expectations and keep yourself focused, your abilities and white magic have progressed rapidly since your arrival upon this island, even I am a little perplexed by how quickly you can learn spells and potions that would take a normal druid years in which to learn, you have to stop putting yourself down and try to believe in who you are and your destiny…”

“If you knew my future, I believe you wouldn’t be so coy about my abilities,” Eveline said darkly as she wrapped her shawl about her tightly. “I have the power not only to free the universe of the great shadow that ensnares it but I have the ability to take away all light…”

“We all have the power to protect the light and equally to get rid of it, I do not believe you will choose the latter,” William said hesitantly as though not entirely assured of his own words or wisdom.

“We shall see,” Eveline said sharply as she turned on her feet and began to walk away. “Come we have work to do.”

*

“You forgot to mention the dense air down here,” William said with exasperation as he coughed loudly. Eveline smiled thinly as she guided William down the narrow corridor.

“I suppose it never really dawned on me how tight the air is, I think my mind was a little bit more preoccupied, don’t you?”

“Well yes, of course, but still I’ll be damned surprised if I come out of this rather strange adventure without a layer of dust upon my perfectly brushed curls,” William returned with another hearty cough.

“Ah here it is,” Eveline said with wide eyes as she finally laid her eyes upon the ancient door. With a wave she brought the darkened beacons to life and heard behind her the sharp intake of breathe from William, who now came to stand by her side, his eyes also enlarged with surprise.

“My god you were right…”

 “How glad I am of your trust,” Eveline sighed as she turned her large eyes towards her friend accusingly.

“Oh no excuse my ignorance, no I am merely blown away, I mean there are actual druids who spend their whole life’s searching for these doors, and here I am standing before one,” William said with a smile as he wrapped an arm about Eveline. “I see what you mean about the runes too…yes they are in old English.”

“What do they mean?”

“The doors are simply called gateways to us, however they do hold ancient names, this is the door of the north, and is called Ecnes, which means everlasting time,” William explained as he ran his fingers over the golden runes. “The other three doors represent the south, east and the west. Would you like to know what the runes say?”

“Of course,” Eveline returned as she placed her hands upon the door.

“Well it says, those who enter, enter at your peril,” William said matter of factly. “Simple and to the point, unlike many other runes I have translated. How did it open for you before?”

“Well I just ran my fingers over the runes like so,” Eveline said as William stepped away and allowed her some space. The arch being tall, Eveline reached up onto her tip toes and traced her fingers over the golden runes. With a thud, the great stone door opened roughly as a terrible cloud of dust exploded around her.

“Well there goes any hopes of saving my hair from the cloud dusts of time,” William coughed harshly into his hands as he wiped his face. Coughing and spluttering, Eveline turned to her friend and instead of simply furrowing her brows, found herself smiling and unintentionally laughing.

“Oh if only you could see yourself!” she cried out, her hands upon her hips as she bent over and shook her head furiously.

“It’s no laughing matter, I’ll have you know I have caught the eye of a beautiful druid priestess,” William said seriously.

“Such a Greek tragedy!”

“Yes well…this isn’t the time for hysterical teasing,” William returned with a frown. “Now, I am pretty sure that I will not be allowed entrance, so what are we to do?”

“If I enter and the doors stay open, then I shall try and speak to you the words written above the doors,” Eveline said as she made herself ready to enter.

“Just spell them out that should be easier.”

Eveline waved a hand in return before stepping in through the large doorway and into the darkened room. The three doors suddenly came to life and her lungs still dusty, she walked over to the door on the left.

“A e r e n d a e g!” she said aloud, refraining her hands from the door. Turning she found William standing with her right hand upon his chin, his face serious.

“Why I think that may stand for yesterday,” he said, turning his upturned gaze to her.

“Right,” Eveline said with a rise of her brows. Turning again she came to stand before the door in the centre. “D a e g!”

“Simple, today!”

“I think I can guess what the last door reads,” Eveline said with a sigh.

“Well that doesn’t mean we have to end the fun now does it? Go on, try me! You never know, I may very well slip up and degrade myself as an academic!”

“I highly doubt you could ever degrade yourself academically,” Eveline smiled back. “But to appease your doubt, it reads M o r g e n.”

“Tomorrow…you’re learning my young student! Now you can actually say that you read old English,” William laughed aloud.

“Considering I have at least four languages to learn in the not too distant future, why am I not filled with optimism right now?” Eveline said as she turned to William and lifted her hands into the air for dramatic effect.

“Yes well, it shows that you are a natural dear,” William returned with a stern face. “Now you have two doors of which to choose, maybe you should start with the past.”

“You will wait here until I return?” Eveline asked nervously.

“You know I will,” William said kindly. “Eveline be safe and do not lose sight of the door.”

“Do you know per chance if it is possible to stay lost within a particular door?”

“I am not sure,” William replied tensely. “But do not worry about that now, just make sure to keep yourself safe. I will be waiting when you return.”

Eveline turned and made for the door on the left and fixed her hair and clothes, her feet now nicely fitted into her leather patent shoes. Nervously, she lifted her right hand and placed it over the engravings of the sun and moon. A gentle thud alerted her to the opening of the door and she stood pensively, feeling William’s eyes upon her back. When the door opened, she stepped through the doorway and found herself facing three doors. Behind her the door closed and she felt her feet move in the direction of the first door, its arch beautifully engraved and alight. Her body trembling and her heart racing, Eveline placed her hand upon the door and watched as it opened. She knew what was to come and braced herself as she stepped through and felt her body instantly begin to fall through a familiar void of darkness. With her stomach lurching and her hair dancing roughly about her head, she fell until with a gentle thud, she hit a hard surface and the darkness began to fade from about her. Nausea still causing Eveline to retch, a gentle light embraced her as she clambered to her feet and fixed her hair. She was standing once more in a narrow corridor, the stone walls on each side fixed with dimly lit beacons. As she fixed her hair she heard a loud holler of a cry and dropped her hands. Turning on her feet she looked up the corridor and once again heard another pitiful cry which caused her body to tremble in pain. Shuddering, her body falling against the cold wall, Eveline began to make her way towards what seemed to be a crying woman. Unsure if others could see or not, she kept her eyes and ears alert, her hands staying attached to the cold stone wall. Soon she found the corridor alive with servants mainly women, who were running in and out of a large chamber room, some carrying bowls of steaming water and others carrying small piles of white and black towels.

The nausea now beginning to settle, Eveline crept closer up the corridor, now fully in sight of those before her. Her heart still racing, she threw herself to the wall as a young girl ran towards her, her young, round face bright red and shining. Without any recognition at all, the young maid ran past Eveline, her footsteps sending a small vibration up and down the corridor. Now sure that the women wouldn’t be able to see her, Eveline moved onwards until she came to the large double doors, one of which was open. The women’s cry was now piercing and filled with unspoken emotion. She was speaking in a language unknown to Eveline, but as she shuffled her way through the maids, Eveline came to stand before a large bed, in which lay a pregnant woman.

“Mother?” she whispered to herself, the image of the young women now resonating with her memory. She was as Eveline remembered her, young, beautiful and unearthly, her golden eyes even now more illuminating than before. Eveline felt her body freeze as she stood gazing at the young Queen Unyae, who was now in the late stages of birth.

“Aqille nuth!” she cried out, her eyes blazing and her face covered in a deep layer of sweat. “Aqille nuth!”

“I don’t know what she says!” an elder woman cried out to another, her grey hair tied back. Unyae turned to the elder lady who was quite obviously in charge of the labour.

“Aqille nuth!”

“You must speak our language my lady, I cannot make you out!” the elder women replied in desperation. “Come now the babe is almost here, just another push and she will be with us presently.”

“Dan bergan miull!” Unyae said as she turned away from the woman and took in a deep breathe, closing her eyes tightly. “My….husband!”

“He is waiting in the great hall my lady, this is no place for a man,” the elder lady smiled kindly as she wiped Unyae’s forehead with a towel. “When the babe is born I will send for him directly.”

“Pleaseeee!” Unyae screamed as she pushed once more. The elder woman turned to a maid and whispered into her ear.

“The babe should have been delivered hours ago, if she doesn’t appear soon then this night will turn quickly from one of joy to one of misery. Go and fetch the King!”

Shaking at her words, the young maid quickly left the side of the woman and made to leave the chamber. Eveline, a feared made for her mother’s bedside. Without much thought, she reached out for her mother’s free hand and ensconced it within her own, her tense golden gaze now glued to her mother’s pained face.

“Mama?” she said aloud, wielding her mother’s eyes to open. She could feel the intense struggle within the grip of her mother’s hand and soothed her with her fingers, softly stroking the warm skin. Her eyes stinging with tears, she felt her spirit begin to rise as the young queen opened her moistened eyes and locked them with Eveline’s.

“Shil neathe?” she said with a hint of a smile, forcing her other hand away from the elder lady. “Am I dying mother?”

“No, no I am not your mother,” Eveline whispered emotionally. “I am your child,” she said with a smile as she lowered her other hand over her mother’s swollen stomach, feeling the babe within kick hard. “I am she.” Eveline looked up from her mother and found the maids and elder woman in a state of confusion.

“She is entering the final stage!” the elder woman said to a maid close to her. “Where is the King?”

“He is coming my lady,” the maid said hurriedly, her eyes filled with horror as they gazed down at the blood stained sheets. Eveline turned back to the Queen and squeezed her hand.

“You must push one last time,” she said with desperation, feeling the babe within struggle and turn.

“I can’t, I’m too tired!” Unyae cried out as tears fell from her blood shot eyes.

“I know you are, but you must remember the prophecy,” Eveline said as she leaned down close, so much so that her nose gently pressed against her mothers, their eyes moulding into one another’s. “Remember the prophecy.”

“Yes,” Unyae smiled. “The prophecy!” Eveline smiled widely as her mother drew in another deep breathe, and as she watched and yearned for the young Queen to push, she felt a warm liquid flow rapidly down the veins of her left arm and through her fingers, until an intense heat was released from the tips of her fingers, plunging deep into her mother’s womb. Closing her eyes tightly, she felt the babe’s body and pushed softly as her mother breathed down into her swollen body one last time. Throwing her head back into the sweat filled pillows, a loud bang snapped Eveline out of focus, forcing her to turn her eyes about sharply. The once closed door flung itself open as a young man, his face filled with anger strode in, forcing the maids out of the way as he came to the Queen.

“My wife! Why did you not send for me?” he yelled loudly as he took up Unyae’s free hand and planted a kiss upon her forehead, unaware of Eveline.

“My lord I did not think it proper…” the elder lady said apologetically as she curtseyed deeply. Eveline looked at her father with surprise as he cupped his wife’s face.

“Unyae can you hear me?” he pleaded gently, his eyes now turning away from her and falling upon her swollen stomach. Without a word, he placed a hand upon Eveline’s and shook. “My god!” he said with shock. “What was that?”

“She is here,” Unyae said slowly, her eyes opened slightly as she looked for her husband’s face.

“Who is here my love?” Elieor asked, his blue sapphire eyes filled with confusion.

“Our daughter, she is here with us now,” Unyae smiled brightly as she drew in another breathe.

“It is time now,” Eveline said with patience as she guided the baby down the birth canal. “Push!” Unyae sat up and focused her eyes on Eveline as she pushed downwards. “That’s it!” With one last painful cry, Eveline felt the baby come forth into the world and lifted her hand away from her mother’s stomach and smiled deeply. “You did it!”

“You did it!” Elieor beamed as he got up quickly and moved down the side of the bed, watching on as a young maid scooped up the blood stained babe into her arms. “My love you did it!” Unyae held onto Eveline’s hand and kept her eyes on her.

“My neck,” she said breathlessly. “Take it…”

“I don’t understand?” Eveline returned as Unyae struggled to untie the bow at her neck.

“The key…take the key!” she said, this time with wide eyes. Eveline gently moved her mother’s hand away from the bow and untied it herself before opening the folds to discover a golden chain, which had upon it a copper key, which lay against her mother’s chest. Unyae sat forward as Eveline unclasped the key and took it from her.

“What is it for?” she asked quickly, her golden eyes now cemented upon the warm key now placed within the palm of her free hand.

“The garden…when you find it use the key,” Unyae said as Elieor came back to her side with the infant child, now wrapped warmly within a blanket.

“But you will need it,” Eveline argued softly, her eyes now turned to the small baby, whose head was covered in dark red hair.

“No, you need it.” Unyae urged as she wrapped a hand about her daughters, her other free hand now upon Eveline’s cheek. “My child how beautiful you are.”

“Mama you are in danger,” Eveline said as a tear fell from her eye and plopped down upon her mother’s cheek below.

“I know,” Unyae said with a sad smile. “I know what is to come.”

“Wife look, here she lies within my arms,” Elieor said with kindness as he lowered the babe down before his wife. “Look how she smiles!”  Unyae simply smiled again before turning away from Eveline and gazing down at the small bundle.

“Celestine,” she said tenderly. Eveline caught sight of her younger self and felt a strong force pull her away from her family.

“Mama!” she cried out as the scene around her began to fall away into fragments of darkness. “Mama!” the intangible force forced Eveline back into the familiar void of space and time until she felt herself fall upon a cold hard surface. Tears still falling from her eyes and the key still within her palm, Eveline looked up and found herself once more before three doors. Cautiously, her legs jelly like, she forced herself up onto her feet and took the golden chain and placed it about her neck. Standing for a moment, she found her breathe and allowed herself several minutes in which to process the scene of which she had been unfairly taken from. She had met her parents on several occasions, all of them through visions, but still she was struck and affected by their meetings and she knew instinctively that this meeting would affect her for some time to come. Though she had disliked the pain and discomfort that the visions brought her, she had returned with the key to the garden of Calhuni and the pleasure of knowing that her mother had indeed met her in her adult form. Her legs a little sturdier, Eveline knew that she had to journey onwards and so with renewed strength and a need for further answers, she stepped forward towards the second door and opened it.

The fall wasn’t as pleasant as the first, but when Eveline awoke she found herself upon a marble floor that was as black as the night sky, and beautifully stained with various streaks of colours that sparkled against the light of a two very large moons above her. Lifting herself up from the floor, Eveline marvelled at her surroundings. She was standing within a great building that had no roof. It seemed like a great cathedral and yet it was not. To either side stood great statues of gold, mostly men but for a few female statues. It was warm despite the open roof which was adorned with the most radiant stars and far away planets of the most enchanting colours. As she stood, she spotted a great throne some dozen feet away from her to the north of the great and daunting building which seemed to be as old as time itself. Gently swaying some feet above where great flags, all of which were embellished with various images and words of which she did not understand. Quietly, Eveline made her way up the aisle, her eyes amazed by the large statues of Greek like gods and goddesses, who looked terrible and powerful. Stopping, she stood before the throne, not made out of gold, silver or copper but a material she had never before seen. It was built out of what only seemed logical to Eveline as light, if light could possibly be forced into a physical material. But within the light and upon closer inspection, Eveline could see veins of moving liquid flowing about the great chair, many sparkling and others exploding into stars. As she touched the sparks of light a great sound erupted from behind forcing Eveline to stumble and knock her knees against the cold material.

Upon her knees and afraid, Eveline gazed up the length of the nave and found to her surprise two figures entering, the figure on the right cloaked in a yellow gold robe. Scared that she would be seen, Eveline crawled around the throne and hide behind, her back to the cool chair. Her knees bleeding under her tights, Eveline clasped a hand over her mouth and looked down another great nave to the north, which did not end with a beautiful archway but instead was without doors, the building meeting with the outside world without any material in which to divide the building with the rest of the world. Keeping herself still she heard a male voice speak with authority and was struck by how familiar it sounded.

“What news from the east?” Heiden asked aloud as he took his seat upon the throne.

“My lord, Lagar has acquired and taken the planet of Hellnuthe, and has cast a shield about its stratosphere,” a fresh voice answered, a voice Eveline recognised as Gabriel’s.

“You must find a way in which to break the shield, he has the stone of Beren and with it he can forge a weapon so powerful that even I will find myself merciless to it,” Heiden said with a grunt.

“But my lord there is the sword of Elmos, which you bestowed upon the great angel Nathaniel, if you were to reclaim it once again, the fear you feel may be appeased,” Gabriel explained. Eveline peered around the throne and caught sight of the beautiful guardian, tall, blonde and blue eyed. He was upon his knees before the God, his eyes bright and determined.

“Nathaniel needs the sword and the destiny of the sword does not belong with me, it belongs to another who is yet to be born,” Heiden answered thoughtfully, his fingers tapping against the arm of his chair.

“But my Lord, there are only two stones and the second lies within the sword of Elmos,” Gabriel pleaded. “We are in desperate need of a weapon that can protect the kingdom from Lagar and his urge to attack, if we do not find the sword then we may very well find ourselves at his mercy.”

“I am the God of this universe! Not he, and nor shall he rule over my children or sit upon the throne of my forefathers!” Heiden said with thunder in his voice, the walls of the building shaking slightly.

“I agree, but time for ignorance has past,” Gabriel said with his hands outstretched before him. “The time to open our eyes has come. To long have we allowed Lagar and his armies to muster and expand and now they have swords that bare the substance of the Beren stone. Our own swords are not strong enough to smite the enemy any longer.”

“We must strengthen our defences by all means possible,” Heiden replied dimly. “There are spies within our walls, spies that have enabled Lagar access to my father’s vault. Someone close to us who knew where the first stone lay in secret has betrayed us to the enemy and you must find them.”

“I could send word to Nathaniel?” Gabriel asked, bending his head down lower to the ground, his body shaking.

“Nathaniel’s fight is not here at our side, it is by the side of my children who have decided to leave the realms of Heaven and find sanctuary elsewhere. We are alone now Gabriel,” Heiden said with a sigh. “My time has come sooner than I had thought, the time of my forefathers has come and soon we shall see if the sun rises or sets.”

Eveline, a little confused watched as the guardian came to his feet and nodded regally.

“I shall go and see to our defences my King.”

Eveline watched as the angel turned on his heel and made his way up the nave towards the great arch of doors. Watching him slip through the doors, Eveline kept her body still.

“You may come out now,” Heiden spoke softly. “There is no need to hide.”

Eveline shook with fear as she had done the first time she had met her grandfather. Still upon her knees she trembled as the great man arose from his throne and turned to her, his great golden eyes now fixed on her face.

“I…I” Eveline stuttered as she rose to her feet, his lips trembling and her teeth chattering.

“My daughter spoke of your arrival and here you are,” Heiden smiled kindly as he held out a large hand. “Come do not be afraid.” Eveline carefully made her way about the throne and placed a shaking hand into his palm. “You have little time left, and I must show you something before you return.”

“How can you…”

“I can see everything,” Heiden announced as he led Eveline up the nave towards the opening. “I can see all that was, all that is and all that shall be. Do you doubt my word?”

“But you do not have the gift of foresight?” Eveline quizzed her grandfather.

“No, you are right, I cannot see into the future of all living things, that is a rare gift of which your mother has and you it seems,” Heiden returned, his feet now stopping before the great open space outside of the building. “However I can see through the eyes of all living things and so can quite firmly forecast the future of my universe.”

“The sword Gabriel spoke of, am I to find it? Is that why I am here?” Eveline asked as she turned her golden stare up into his square face, so beautifully flawless and without age.

“The sword of Elmos belongs to another,” Heiden returned with a heavy gaze. “If he so chooses to find it.”

“Oh.”

“I am unsure of my fate, my daughter tells me that she cannot see into my future,” Heiden said as he turned his eyes away from Eveline and withdrew his hand from her own. “This troubles me. But if I should die and my throne is vulnerable, you must take up my place and rule over my kingdom.”

“But how?” Eveline asked in desperation. “I have no power with which to wield against Lagar or his supporters. How can I sit upon your throne and keep myself alive?”

“Tell me, what can you see before you?” Heiden asked softly, his right index finger pointed directly in front of him. Eveline fixed her eyes on the great landscape before her and searched the darkened fields and trees that swayed against the nightly breeze. As she searched, she found a path paved with golden stones, leading through the barely filled fields.

“There is a golden path that leads to the forest in the near distance,” she said, her eyes fixed on the edge of the forest.

“If I die, you must follow the path, it will lead you to a maze, known as the maze of probability,” Heiden declared, his eyes again now on Eveline. “The true heir to the throne must enter the maze and find his or her way out.”

“But anyone can do that?” Eveline said hurriedly.

“This is no ordinary maze child, this maze will test your strength of intelligence, will and loyalty. When you arrive at the maze you will be met by a guard, his name is Baldor and he will ask of you two things; the first a drop of your blood to which he will taste, the second a password that only the heir to throne will know, for it is inscribed within your mind and those of the royal bloodline.”

“But if that is true, then my brother, he will also have the password, yes?”

“Indeed, but he does not know of the maze, and we must hope that his ignorance of it shall stay in place,” Heiden said darkly before turning abruptly to his granddaughter. “For if he ever is enlightened, then you will find yourself at great peril.”

“How do I find the password?” Eveline enquired with furrowed brows.

“It will present itself to you when you are ready,” Heiden returned, his head tilted slightly as though he were observing Eveline. “It is the first of many tests that will lie before you.”

“And if I fail?”

“No one has failed yet, I doubt you shall, if you are loyal and true to the cause…”

Eveline did not reply, a sudden vision of her future now flashing before her. With her hands folded before her and her eyes upon the path, she searched for the courage she needed and when upon finding it, closed her eyes and drew in a deep breathe.

“What if I fail you? What if I betray the light?”

Heiden turned to her and placed his hands upon her shoulders.

“You must not fail, you must fight the darkness that yearns to ensnare you,” he said with forceful eyes. “You must defend the light, even if it means sacrificing your own life for those you serve.”

“I am afraid that I am not ready for this role you would wish me to submit to,” Eveline returned with water filled eyes. “Even now I have so much to learn.”

“Do not fear, when you return to your world you will find yourself in the company of those who will aid you in your quest,” Heiden said with assurance. “You must trust in the light, for it will guide you and protect you.”

“He is coming for you…” Eveline whispered into the cool air, her eyes now taking in the magnificent night sky above. “You must protect the kingdom.”

“And you must stay upon your path…do not stray even for a moment, for if you do…” Heiden turned to Eveline and looked deep into her eyes. “A great streak of light will tear apart this universe and all will break and disperse.”

“I know my duty…” Eveline said as she felt the force of time pull her away from her grandfather and the great Kingdom of Heaven. Heiden looked away as she fell into the void once more and felt her body sieve through a tight hole filled with stars and planets. Another thud alerted her to the hard ground beneath and with strength she once more brought herself to her feet and found herself before the last door. Eveline felt heavy and tired, and as she stood before the door she wondered to herself whether it would be logical to only add more confusion to her already confused mind. But as she stood gazing at the stone door, she felt something stern and strong force her onwards and soon she was once more thrown into the abyss of darkness.

A splash alerted Eveline to her surroundings as she found herself upon the bank of a river under the cover of night. Her hands, clothes, legs and feet drenched she lifted herself up from the mud soaked grass and looked about her. To her right a large rowing boat washed up to shore with at least a dozen soldiers inside, all of whom had their bows and swords at the ready. Wiping her face, Eveline turned her eyes away from the river and found before her a large wall, which seemed to be the outer wall of a great city within, only a strange colour pierced the night air in front of her and the air smelt of smoke and ash.

“Ah you’ve arrived just on time!” a voice boomed from behind. Eveline turned around and found a tall, ageing man who looked similar in looks to Merlin, standing before her, his form hidden beneath a great navy blue cloak. His long hair greying, his eyes a cool blue and his nose long and dented, the man drew a sword from his cloak and held it out to Eveline. “There isn’t much time. You have heard of Merelle? And of Queen Cathlen, the mother of Maethilda?”

“I…a little, how do you know who I am?” Eveline enquired as she took the sword from the man and looked down at it with pensive eyes.

“I am a wizard and you Celestine are the key to the future, now come we haven’t much time the city is under siege by Ravan and his allies, we must find the Queen before it is too late.”

“May I ask your name?” Eveline returned quickly as she ran alongside the man.

“I am Anvin, son of Merlin, who I believe you know?” Anvin enquired as he and his soldiers made for a large gate.

“Yes I know him,” Eveline returned, her feet now stopping as Anvin threw himself into a thick section of shrubbery to the left of the closed gate. With her brows furrowed and the rest of the group oblivious to her presence, she was awash with surprise at both being in the presence of Merlin’s son and of being in the great city of Merelle, a city Galean had once spoken off as being the oldest in Calnuthe. She knew of the misfortune that the great Queen Cathlen would find herself in and felt a strange feeling of sadness sweep over her. Lost in her thoughts and the chill of distant cries, Eveline jumped as Anvin himself jumped out of the bushes.

“I have found it!” he declared with mirth. “Come Celestine we must be as quick as lightening! Follow me!”

Eveline, a little hesitant followed Anvin through the thick bushes and found to her surprise a hidden gate that was not located within the wall but upon the ground.

“An underground tunnel,” she whispered to herself as Anvin jumped down into the dark tunnel below.

“Take my hand!” he commanded as she got down upon her knees and dropped her legs into the small hole. A large hand appeared and without a word, Eveline clasped onto it and jumped down into the tunnel.

“God what is that smell?” she said with disgust, covering her nose and mouth instantly.

“We are in the sewers,” Anvin returned as he brought forth a small glass ball and whispered to it. A gentle blue light appeared and filled the tunnel with light. Turning, the wizard looked at Eveline, his brows thick and curled upwards. “How are your classes?”

“Er…well I think,” Eveline stuttered. “But how did you…”

“Oh you know,” Anvin smiled, his eyes filled with mischief. “Magic.”

“Right…,” Eveline said under her breathe as the wizard turned on his feet and started forward, his pace rapidly increasing.

“I sent the Queen a message, ordering her to stay in her tower, let’s hope she abided by it,” Anvin said with a wave of his hand, his voice travelling the length and breadth of the tunnel. “She is a feisty woman who rarely takes orders from anyone.”

“I don’t suppose you know of the door I entered?”

“The door of Ecnes?”

“The very one…”

“All habituated planets have gateways belonging to the head guardian,” Anvin explained, his feet splurging through the water with such ferocity that large buds of the stinking liquid plastered themselves on Eveline’s face. Feeling a little nauseous, Eveline held her free hand in front of her face as she navigated her way through the tunnel staying close to the wizard. “Only very powerful wizards or seerer’s as we are called here can use the doors, but we only use them when they are most needed. All powerful objects not only have their uses but they may also cause harm to the user, and so we must practice patience and only use them when all other paths have been exhausted.”

“How can you be here and your father live upon another planet? I do not understand?”

“When my mother was a young woman, she found a door similar to the door of Ecnes, we call it the door of Suma,” Anvin explained, the hood of his cloak now falling away to reveal his long dark hair. “She found herself lost in the future upon the Isle of Man and there fell in love with the great wizard, Merlin. When she fell pregnant, my father urged her to return home, fearing for her safety, for he has no other children. When she returned, she was married quickly and within a month gave birth to me.”

“What a tale!” Eveline said with awe.

“Indeed, for what a tale you have found yourself in,” Anvin answered, his head turning slightly as though in search of her face. “I knew your parents well and even blessed you on your name day.”

“I thought I recognised you from somewhere!” Eveline said with a smile.

“You are in your mother’s likeness.”

“That is what Galean said,” Eveline muttered. Anvin stopped, his cloak dancing about his figure as he turned to Eveline.

“The son of Ballour?”

“Indeed,” Eveline said, a little afraid as the wizard’s cool eyes bore down into her own.

“You know of him?”

“He is my guardian, and we spent time together as he protected me on my travels,” Eveline returned a little quietly.

“But he has gone from the world, no one has seen or heard of him in years,” Anvin said with furrowed brows.

“He was in the service of Gabriel, but left after the death of his wife and child,” Eveline said with large eyes.

“He is married and has a child?”

“He was married and did indeed have a little girl, but they were murdered by a demon called Lagman,” Eveline explained as Anvin held the glass ball close to her face, studying her intensely.

“I see.”

The pair stood in silence until the wizard heaved out a sigh and once more turned on his feet and began to walk on, his head lowered.

“We are indeed within the midst of a changing tide my Queen,” Anvin said loudly. “Dark clouds are now approaching.”

Eveline did not reply for two reasons, the first she realised that there was nothing in which to say and secondly they had come to the foot of a steep, circular stairway that seemed to be never ending. Anvin hiked up the hem of his cloak and underclothes and turned to Eveline with a smile.

“Our journeys are never without peril, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Indeed,” Eveline said with a shrug as she followed him upwards, her legs beginning to burn and her chest beginning to tighten with every step. When eventually Anvin stopped beneath a circular door above his head, Eveline bent her body downwards with exhaustion, the weight of the hefty sword now causing her once strong arm to succumb to numbness.

“We must be quick and quiet, understood?”

“Yes,” Eveline said breathlessly.

“Good, now wait here until I come back,” Anvin ordered as he lifted the circular door away and pushed himself upwards. Eveline stood patiently, her body shivering against the cold air until she heard the sound of footsteps. Bending down into the tunnel, Anvin appeared. “Follow me and stay close.” Holding out a hand, Anvin waited for Eveline patiently.

“Can you take my sword first, it’s a little heavy,” Eveline groaned as she placed the handle of the sword into Anvin’s palm. Taking the sword, Anvin disappeared, soon reappearing. Taking his hand quickly, Eveline forced herself up until she stood standing face to face with the wizard. “Where are we?”

“We are in the Queens tower, now stay close and be on alert, the Queens guards are still guarding the tower, but I doubt it will be for long, Ravan’s forces have taken the citadel and will soon be upon us,” Anvin said quickly as he threw his hood over his head. It did not take long until both the wizard and Eveline were before a heavy wooden door. With his index finger, Anvin swiped it over the arch of the door and murmured words of a different language until with a sound snip, the door opened. Looking up and down the corridor, the wizard entered the room and quickly waved to Eveline to follow suite. A gentle breeze of warm heat hit Eveline instantly and began to warm his cold body. The room was large and circular and near to her was a roaring fire. Closing the door behind her, Eveline noticed a tall and lean figure by a window. The Queen stood, robed in nothing but a light night dress, her golden locks falling down her long back. In her arms lay a child, warmly wrapped in a cream blanket.

“It is time your majesty, you and the babe must come with us,” Anvin said as he warmed his hands briefly by the fire. Eveline her eyes upon the beautiful and rather fearsome young woman, gulped deeply.

“I must stay and you must take my child,” Cathlen returned, her voice deep and sharp. With a sweep of her gown, she turned to the wizard and Eveline. “When you told me of your vision, I thought you mad. But as I stand looking upon the future Queen of Calnuthe, I can only but feel awe and sorrow. You my child must watch over my daughter and aid her in claiming back this Kingdom and my throne.”

“Your majesty,” Eveline said simply with a bow.

“Cathlen, you still have time to flee with us,” Anvin pleaded as he lay a soothing hand upon her arm. The young Queen, her eyes sparkling with unshed tears, looked up into the wizard’s eyes.

“If I am to give my child a proper chance of survival then I must stay and meet my enemy,” Cathlen said firmly. “I am not afraid of death dear wizard, I am only filled with sorrow that I shall not see the sun rise once more over the lands of Taer, or that I will awake to find my babe close to me, her blue eyes bright and curious. Promise me you will tell her of my story, promise me that you will aid her if she wishes to reclaim her throne…”

“Ravan will send men in all directions to find the babe,” Anvin said heavily.

“You will shelter her and keep her safe, I entrust this task to you and you,” Cathlen returned as she stepped away from Anvin and came to stand tall before Eveline. “I can die peacefully, knowing that you are real. You must take my signet ring and keep it until you return to this land and then you must bestow it upon my daughter, along with this letter.” Cathlen handed the small infant over to Eveline, who with shaking arms and trembling lips took the child and held her firm. She watched as the Queen walked over to a nearby writing table. With gentle movements, she lifted a large roll of parchment that was sealed and a small signet ring. Coming over to Eveline again, she held them out to her. “Keep these safe.”

“But surely Anvin would be a better keeper?” Eveline asked with raised brows.

“No,” Cathlen said sharply. “Ravan does not know of your existence, and so these precious items will be better kept by you.”

“Here let me take the child,” Anvin interrupted kindly. Eveline turned to the wizard and handed over the child before turning to the Queen and taking the signet ring and roll of parchment.

“May she grow up to be in both her parents’ likeness,” Cathlen said with emotion. As she spoke, a great thunderous noise imploded outside the window. Quickly turning, the Queen ran to the window and looked down. “They have come! Quick you must leave with haste before it is too late.”

“My lady you can still flee with us!” Anvin said with desperation as he and Eveline made for the door.

“No! I am the Queen of Taer and I do not easily surrender,” Cathlen said with such might that Eveline blinked twice. “I want my child to remember as I was and am. I want her to remember my strength and loyalty to my kingdom in the hope that she will one day rule as a strong and loyal Queen. Now go! Flee!”

Eveline felt a tear fall from her right eye as she witnessed the agonising pain in the young woman’s eyes, her right hand out stretched towards her now crying child. With swiftness, Eveline quickly unchained her necklace given by Galean and attached the signet ring to the chain before clipping back into place and stuffing the roll of parchment safely within the confines of her pocket. Turning she followed Anvin once more, out through the heavy door and door the poorly lit corridor to were the secret door lay open. A loud bang alerted Eveline to the closing of the Queen’s door and with one last lingering look jumped down into the tunnel, bringing down the door with a bang.

“Strength Celestine,” Anvin said as he now relit his glass ball. “You must take the child for a while, we must be cautious and careful.” Eveline reached out her arms and took the crying babe once more and unconsciously kissed her forehead tenderly before lifting her and placing her up over her shoulder.

“Take the blanket and wrap it about my body like a sling, would you? And maybe you could take this sword from me, it proving futile,” she asked Anvin as she took the blanket from the babe, and placed her within the confines of her drenched cardigan. Anvin without a word did as he was told and soon, the babe was safely harnessed for the journey ahead. Wiping back strands of soaked hair, Eveline began to follow the wizard down the perilous staircase, her eyes upon the steps and her spare hand upon Maethilda’s head of golden hair. As she walked she began to hum quietly, hoping the soothing music would soothe the child. Amidst the humming, Eveline heard the loud running of footsteps above her and a few minutes later a great cry. Stopping in her footsteps she looked up at the ceiling above and felt the small Maethilda move, a small but painful cry coming forth from her lips. “Shush little one, you are safe.”

“Come we must make for the boats!” Anvin said anxiously as he waved Eveline onwards. With a breath of relief the stairs came to an end and the last part of their dark journey was upon them. It took but ten minutes to reach the end of the tunnel and when they made it above ground, the soldiers were still awaiting them patiently. “Ready the boats!” Anvin ordered loudly. Eveline followed quickly, her feet mushing through the mud soaked ground beneath her. With a helping hand she made it into the largest of the rowing boats and found a seat close to the wizard, who was uncommonly quiet and withdrawn, his eyes upon the now emblazoned city of Merelle. Eveline, her hands upon the child, looked up pensively as the boats began to make their way south down the raging river.

“My time is nearly up, you must take Maethilda now,” she said to Anvin softly. The wizard turned to her and smiled, laying a tense hand upon her own.

“When you return she will be a young woman just like yourself, wondering where her life is to lead her in the future,” Anvin said thoughtfully, his thick brows furrowed and his smile now vanishing. “She too like you will find herself at a cross roads and unsure of herself and of her future. You are both bond to one another, and will both depend upon one another in the future. So when you feel as though your journey is too difficult or too overwhelming then think of her. You are both orphans and both outcasts, and together you can do brilliant things.”

“I hope so,” Eveline said heavily, feeling the familiar pull of time. “Protect her Anvin.”

“Protect yourself my Queen,” Anvin said with a bow. Eveline looked down once more into the sleeping face of Maethilda and reached down to touch her small fingers, the surrounding world now tearing itself apart as she was forced away from the scene and hurtled through the dark void of space.

*

The doors where gone when she lifted herself up from the ground. All about her was darkness but for one door. Sitting up, she searched for the chains and took them out from her blouse. The copper key shone lightly against her hand, as did the yellow jewel that belonged to Galean and the golden signet ring which had upon it a dark green jewel. Once unsure of her path, she now found herself assured of her mission. If she could not return to Calnuthe for herself she would do it for Maethilda. The Queen Cathlen had entrusted her to find her daughter and give to her the ring of Taer and the thick roll of parchment. Maybe it was as the wizard said, they were both bound to one another and could not escape one another’s future. She had entered the door looking for answers and though the answers she found were not in relation to her child, she had indeed found the answers too many of her hidden and unspoken questions. And now, enlightened, Eveline found herself changed. She had stepped through the door of Ecnes but a mere young woman, who truly did not understand her quest or indeed herself. Now after her journey through the door and still with one left to venture, she felt different, her body, spirit and soul had changed and she now for the first time in a year, realised with awe and anxiety that she was a Queen, not just a ruler of land but of the entire universe and all that it held within. Lifting herself up from the ground, she made for the door and opened it and when closing it behind her she turned and met William’s gaze. He was seated by the outer wall, and when upon seeing her he also brought himself to his feet.

“That was short,” he said with a small smile.

“To you maybe, I however feel as though I have been away for hours,” Eveline said as she now exited the main door, closing it behind her.

“Well did you find the answers you were looking for?”

“Indeed I did,” Eveline said with a serious expression. “Although I am not only enlightened with answers but burdened with more pressing questions.”

“Come we should find the others don’t you think?” William asked as he ran his eyes over the mud soaked Eveline. “Maybe you should change first, yes?”

“Yes I think a change of clothes is defiantly in order,” Eveline smiled as she looked down at her sogging wet blouse, green skirt, blood stained tights and mud covered shoes.

“I shall walk you to your room then.”




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