The Samsara Chronicles Book 2

By Diana Kemp

The first 7 stories of The Samsara Chronicles compiled into one volume.

Blending elements of futuristic, fantasy, science fiction and the paranormal, the Samsara Chronicles explores the duality of good and evil set against two worlds, Earth and Nirvana.

Guided by mystical beings, a human mother bears a daughter of alien royalty, Aislinn, destined to champion the future of two worlds.

• Language: English
• Publisher: eXtasy Books Inc
• Release date: Sep 19, 2012
• ISBN: 9781771112901

Diana Kemp

A gifted muse of words, Diana Kemp wears many hats, including author, collaborator, creative writer, screenwriter, freelance writer, and ghostwriter. Her vivid imagination and passion for writing emerged at the age of seven and evolved into a considerable repertoire of short stories, novellas, novels, short and feature-length screenplays earning 130 competition awards and placings. Many have been published, and include a co-written narrative script for "A Time-less Journey", an informational documentary for the Naval Research Laboratory in the United States.She currently has television and film projects in pre-production. Her work can be viewed at di-anakemp.com.

Book preview

Chapter One

Nirvana’s sun had almost dipped below the horizon, the splattered egg effect staining the sky molten shades of gold and russet. Bathed in the fading glow, the crystal palace sparkled, its spun sugar towers and minarets reflecting the prismatic brilliance of infinite rainbows. To the east, the first stars tentatively peeked from a twilight canvas of deep mauve. A breeze, perfumed by night bloomers wafted through the city, the evensong of nachu birds an enchanting serenade. Beyond, in the lush woodland embracing the city, luminescent insects swarmed in gossamer clouds.

Locked in a casual embrace, Aislinn and Dylan stood on the expansive balcony of their suite. A blooming creeper similar to honeysuckle draped the finely hewn surface in a lush mantle, a myriad of tiny golden blossoms trembling in the breeze enveloping the couple with their heady scent. Immersed in the evening ritual, they could only watch and silently marvel at the wondrous place that was their home, their birthright.

Only now can I appreciate how much I’ve missed this, Aislinn said. All those years never remembering, never knowing. It explains that yearning I always had but could never quite identify. I always thought it was the desire to return to the happy world of my childhood, but in fact it was much more…I was homesick.

Dylan nodded. When I was very young, I used to think the reason I never quite fit in was because I was adopted. Those feelings never left me. I always felt there was an element missing from my life, that I was an observer rather than a participant. I remember watching sunsets like this before I joined the force. They always made me feel an intense sense of longing I could never explain. Perhaps, like you, it was because I was unconsciously also homesick.

He paused and chuckled. Once, I even tried to paint sunsets. I was always interested in art, but never had the opportunity to pursue it beyond some initial dabbling. You know, now I realize why my sunsets never resembled those on Earth. Somehow a subliminal memory must have crept in because there were always mauve overtones on the canvas.

Artist? You never seemed interested before we went to Earth, Aislinn said with a cocked eyebrow.

It was one of many interests I never really pursued as much as I would have liked. The usual reasons…lack of time, and later of course, circumstances.

So now the secrets emerge, she said. But that’s what relationships are all about, understanding and appreciating each other as individuals. You know, when my parents informed me that they’d chosen my future consort, I wasn’t very happy about the prospect. I was enjoying my freedom too much and didn’t really like the idea of losing it. Although I was attracted to you after we first met, we didn’t really have enough time to get to know each other before we volunteered to go to Earth. Meeting naturally and connecting there gave us that chance.

Dylan smiled. Well, you can imagine how it felt to be chosen as consort to the First Princess. I never heard the end of it from my brother, though I always suspected he was jealous. My parents were so proud. Of course it was considered quite a privilege to be favored by the royals. As our family had traditionally been involved in marine biology, we always lived by the sea so we weren’t that connected to Zamphirus. I’m sure it would have worked out for us the same here in time, but the way we met on Earth was much more natural. To be honest, I never believed that old saying about love at first sight until I saw you in your apartment that night.

Well, I’m looking forward to learning more about you, she said.

That will be the best part, he replied with a grin.

She sighed. I’m glad we’re finally together, she said, leaning into his embrace, but I’m so worried about my parents. I haven’t been able to get the image of them trapped in some Klatrian hellhole out of my mind. We’ve won the first round of the battle, but we have so many yet to face.

I know this wasn’t the homecoming you expected, Aislinn. But remember where you come from, where your parents came from. The strength and resourcefulness your lineage enjoys will help them survive this. For now, it’s just the two of us. Let’s enjoy this interlude while we can.

Around them, dusk descended on Zamphirus, enveloping the city in a velvet cape. Distant stellar clusters winked like demonic eyes, teasing Aislinn with the promise of unimaginable mysteries. She watched the twinkling constellations, their ancient names gradually coming to mind. A faint smile touched her lips as she recalled an astronomy lesson one balmy summer evening so long ago. Her mother was pregnant with Nashira, and as was his custom, her father would load his beloved telescope into their unmarked flyer and retreat to the countryside far from the city lights so they could stargaze. On gently rolling bluffs famed for the nocturnal foliage, plants whispered in the darkness like conspiratorial voices, the peace of the nightscape an idyll from which her family could temporarily escape the burden of their responsibilities. Then, as on Earth, she was blessed with a joyful childhood.

Dylan gazed into her thoughtful eyes. I’ve been remembering more as well, memories, glimpses of a past beyond my past. Two lives converging into one.

She nodded distractedly. My father was an avid astronomer, though this was something the general public didn’t know. He tried his best to preserve a sense of privacy for us. During our frequent excursions to the countryside, I used to stretch out on the ground and imagine the sky pressing down on me until the stars swallowed me up. I can still recall the pungent aroma of the soil and the bittersweet tang of the dewgrass. For me, the stars weren’t just random patterns, but the mythical creatures their names represented. She pointed to a northern constellation vaguely shaped like a turtle. Look there, the constellation of Aphalux, the messenger of the seas. Little could I have ever imagined that one day I would actually travel among them.

Dylan eyed the constellation with interest. During our time off, my brother and I often dove at night. We took the boat out during the veilfish migrations and swam among liquid light. It was an amazing sight. We’d reach out and it felt as if our fingers merged with quicksilver bioluminescence. We stayed with the school until they dove too deep for us, but even after the fish vanished into the darkness, the residual light emanated like an aurora borealis. It reminds me of a conversation with my adoptive parents when I was in my early teens. My father traveled a great deal as a young man and visited Scotland. He described the Northern Lights. Though I’d never seen them, I imagine watching the veilfish must have been similar. He paused with a contemplative expression. It seems forever since I’ve enjoyed the company of my familyboth here and on Earth. Though my Earth adolescence was difficult, there were still good times.

Aislinn felt a stab of poignancy as she watched him. Memories were priceless connections to the past, timeless treasures that endured when all else had fallen to dust. A moment’s reminiscence could bring great joy but sadness as well. It was something with which they had both become all too familiar. Maybe there will be a time for these things again, Dylan. A time when we can just be and live our lives.

He nodded. I believe there will be. At the end of all…this.

The faint susurration of nocturnal foliage gradually replaced the serenade of birds. Normally, the boisterous wedding celebrations would have lasted until dawn, the streets and plazas crowded with jubilant revelers. However, the arrival of their princess had reinforced the grim task ahead—the rescue of their sovereigns and the defeat of the Klatrians. As if preparing for the battle ahead, the city slumbered, the glittering turrets and cobweb network of transit tubes cloaked in anticipatory stillness.

Dylan gently steered Aislinn through the arched doors into the bedchamber. Diaphanous curtains of pastel silk billowed gracefully into the room to the dreamy sounds of panpipe music. In the center stood a marble pedestal table laden with local produced fruit, delicacies and nuts. A narcotic aroma of freshly baked pastries filled the room.

Aislinn gazed thoughtfully at the scrumptious spread. You know, this looks wonderful, but I’ll miss the treats we enjoyed when times were still good on Earth. And of course your famous pizza!

Well, living on Earth was a lesson in bad habits. I’m afraid it’s back to a vegetarian life now.

It’s not so bad for the others who don’t remember Earth, she said. But for us, coping with all the memories isn’t going to be easy.

It’s those memories that will help us in the long run, Dylan said. And certainly the good ones will compensate for the rest. Remember, if there’s anything we’ve learned from our experiences, it’s that we’re certainly adaptable. Anyway, it’s late. There’s one thing I don’t want to relegate to memory, and with what we face, who knows when we’ll have another opportunity?

Aislinn smiled up at him. She had grown so accustomed to seeing him unkempt during their mission to reach the portal that the sight of him beautifully groomed still surprised her. She reached up to touch his lips and traced their outline. His brown eyes shone as he reached for her fingers and gently kissed them.

She pulled away and walked toward the bed. Before their arrival, her personal quarters had been redecorated befitting a ruler of Nirvana. The chiffon draped bed of sculpted alabaster pillars flanked a magnificent rustic mural of breathtaking Nirvanan landscapes. Tasseled cushions graced an intricately embroidered spread, the edges slightly turned down to reveal the finest satin sheets of a deep royal blue. To the side of the bed, a miniature of the emerald wheel rested in a discreet niche, its petals turning slowly in constant readiness to communicate with her if the necessity arose. By now, she had grown accustomed to the familiar warmth of her ring as it pulsed in time with the emerald. And everywhere, the intoxicating fragrance of the kanan blossom perfumed the air, its roseate petals strewn across the tapestried floor and on the bed in observance of an eons old royal wedding night tradition.

She undid the jeweled clasps of her cloak and gown. They whispered in gentle folds to the floor. Stepping out of them, she sank down onto the bed and waited for Dylan.

Carrying a crystal flask and two tall, fluted glasses, he joined her. He set the flask on the low marble table beside the bed, handed her a glass of sparkling amber wine and lay down beside her. They linked their arms and brought the glasses to their lips.

Sinayo da lamo feralamio, Alaya, Dylan said softly, repeating the ancient words they had rehearsed when preparing for their nuptials before they had departed on their mission to Earth. We’re joined forever, Aislinn, he repeated in English.

Darino fim seglati, Nadiro, she responded. Throughout all eternity, Dylan.

They emptied the glasses and set them on the table. All thoughts of the past and present were forgotten as their bodies intertwined in a silken embrace.

Do you realize this is the first time we’ll make love in a normal bed? he whispered near her ear. His tongue traced the contours of her ear, down her jaw, the outline of her lips. "Nectar of the gods…

Aislinn laughed throatily as she gazed into his eyes, now black as the night. Then take me, my husband, my prince, she whispered.

Later, they lay together lost in their moment of intimacy. Dylan stroked her hair, then gently pushed her off him. How about another glass of bubbly? You’ve made me thirsty, he said, and tenderly touched her face. Do you know how much I love you?

About as much as I love you? she leaned forward and kissed him fleetingly on the lips. I never imagined love to be like this. It’s indescribable. If I were to write a book, I wouldn’t know how to put it into words. It’s not just the sex. It’s the touching of our souls, the spiritual feeling I have when we’re together like this. It’s wild.

I know what you mean. Now how about that glass of champagne?

Chapter Two

Aislinn woke to the chittering of birds and the intoxicating scent of dew dipped flowers. Awash in the intense morning sun, the room glowed with a magical quality. An azure sky peeked invitingly from what she could glimpse of the balcony. Stretching languorously, she rose and gently traced Dylan’s profile with her finger. Dylan, wake up. We have to attend the council meeting this morning.

His eyelids fluttered open as he stretched and admired the morning light. From somewhere in the distance, a gong mournfully reverberated. This is wonderful. If I’d woken up to this every day back on Earth, all those years of going to work wouldn’t have been such a chore. His hand reached for the mane of silken hair that tickled his face and he entwined his fingers in it. You’re so lovely, he murmured. Despite the circumstances that brought us together, I can’t help but be glad we found each other on Earth and fell in love the natural way, instead of the arranged marriage here.

Aislinn felt the heat of his gaze. She wanted nothing more than to bask in his embrace and forget the ordeal awaiting them. Forcing herself away from him, she laughed, untangled his fingers from her hair and rose from the bed. You were never a ruler before, either. If you think you had responsibilities then, wait till you see what’s in store for us now. Acutely aware of Dylan’s gaze on her body, she controlled the urge to hide from the world for just another day and return to the safe haven of his arms and his love. She casually strolled to the balcony and peered through the gauzy curtains. All we can hope is that one day, every day will be like this.

We’ll be so used to adventure that daily life might become boring.

Not if we have children. That will be an adventure in itself.

Dylan smiled wistfully. A family…that’s something I never considered on Earth. Who in their right minds would have considered bringing a child into that hellish world? I used to think it the most selfish thing anyone could do. Only when we talked about adopting Angelica did the possibility actually enter my mind.

The gong sounded again. This is our world now and with it, all kinds of possibilities, she said hopefully. Anyway, we’d better get going. It’s time to start the day.

They stepped into the luxury of the adjoining bath suite. The seafoam green marble floors and glass walls were embedded with exotic shells and corals. Banks of tropical flowers dripping from plant shelves lent a delectable aroma to the air. Illuminated by the radiance pouring from a circular skylight, they bathed in tiered cascades of water gushing into a huge, sunken tub, the joy of resources without restriction something they could appreciate more than ever.

Aislinn sank against the transparent steps and closed her eyes. You remember our bath in the cave?

Dylan laughed, his voice rising against the splashing water. How could I forget? All that’s missing are our escorts.

Her eyelids fluttered open at the recollection of the wolves. Yes, I’ve been thinking about them, the eagle and the wolf. I keep wondering where, or who they are now.

They guided us on Earth so we may meet them again.

I hope so. They were our guardians for so long. Somehow, I don’t feel our journey would be complete without them. If they’re meant to guide us again, I’m sure we’ll be reunited. But for now, I’m starving.

To their delight, breakfast had been served from a discreet annex to the balcony and welcomed them with appetizing aromas. I could get used to this, Dylan said, hungrily eyeing the tempting variety of pastries, omelets, and fruits beautifully arranged on a trolley.

Well, let’s get dressed first before we dig in, Aislinn quipped as she guided him to the wardrobe, at the same time admiring his lean, muscular frame. Let’s retain some air of mystery for our people. Smoked glass-mirrored doors slid open silently at her approach, revealing a wondrous array of clothing. She looked through them, pausing now and then to admire a stunning variety of fabrics. Though the gowns were exquisite, none looked particularly practical. On Earth, the concerns of one’s wardrobe had long been abandoned. I don’t see my old clothes here. Wonder what happened to them?

I guess as rulers we have to dress accordingly. No more jeans for us, it seems, Dylan said. He paused to pull out a pair of soft, suede like trousers and matching fawn-colored tunic. Do you think this is apropos for a council meeting?"

It is if we’re going to be busy all day, she said, searching until she finally found an empress style, three quarter length overdress and matching leggings in pale aqua tones. I’m sure we’ll have plenty of occasions to dress more elaborately.

Dylan smiled appreciatively as she sat before a mesh draped dressing table and perused a dazzling array of perfume bottles, cosmetic containers, and objets d’art. Reverently, she touched them, sniffing a variety of fragrances until she settled for a refreshing citrus scent. She brushed her hair and after coiling it into an elegant chignon, lightly applied some cosmetics.

I feel like a queen. When I was a little girl on Earth, I used to sit at my mother’s dresser and played with her makeup, but it was never anything like this.

"Well, you are a royal, said Dylan. Better get used to the good life."

She nodded thoughtfully. It does make up for all that scrimping and rationing, she said, her attention drawn to the dainty drawers. Though I feel for what those left behind have to face. With the collapse of government, even rationing is probably a luxury now. One by one, she pulled them open to reveal a delightful array of lingerie, hair ornaments, and toiletries.

Wonder if we’ll find the crown jewels somewhere in—

Her eyes widened when she pulled open the last drawer. Dylan, she murmured, reaching in and withdrawing the crushed pearl music box. Look!

Dylan stared at the box. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. After all, we were told the box and the skull belonged together.

Silently Aislinn opened it. The haunting tune they both knew so well drifted into the air. Her gaze fixed on the gleam of jewelry within. A brooch depicting the Nirvanan solar system embraced by the rays of the sun, glittered in a visual feast of pearls and precious gems. It’s magnificent, she said, pinning it above her left breast. A delicate tiara, a pair of matching earrings and a slender bracelet depicting the same emblem in miniature, complemented her jewelry of rank.

For a moment her expression darkened as she remembered her mother adorned with similar jewelry. Unwittingly, her thoughts drifted to her parents. She was almost afraid to imagine to what else the Klatrians might have subjected them. This new enemy was a relatively unknown factor, their distant world offering a tactical advantage. She hastily banished the uncertainty welling within her. What if their rescue attempt failed? Guilt pricked her as she considered her wedding night. The precious moments of joy had all too easily supplanted thoughts of her parents.

Dylan stood behind her and admired her reflection in the mirror, his hands on her shoulders. She noticed that her change of demeanor had not escaped him. Sensing her quiet despair, he tried to lighten her mood by playfully kissing her neck. You look quite the stateswoman, Aislinn. I’d certainly pay attention to anything you had to say.

You’d better, she said, forcing a smile. She assumed a regal pose for his benefit. It’s not every day I have a kingdom at my command. She cast an appraising glance at him. And you cut a pretty distinguished figure yourself. Come, let’s eat. I don’t know whether it’s the air or physiological changes affecting our bodies, but I could eat the equivalent of a Nirvanan horse.

After they finished a leisurely breakfast, they paused to admire the sweeping view of the city. Streets and transport tubes buzzed with activity, the bustle of daily life somehow far removed from the darkness that threatened to overwhelm it. Immaculate buildings fronted broad boulevards and plazas beautifully landscaped with fountains, shimmering reflecting pools and a dazzling array of foliage. Colorfully tiled pathways meandered through verdant parks and play areas alive with the sound of children.

As Aislinn sipped an aromatic herbal tea, she considered the events of the previous day and the chilling sight of the Klatrians struggling in the sunlight. The two men taken into custody no doubt would have been interrogated by now. Hopefully, information had been gleaned that could assist in the rescue of her parents.

Penny for your thoughts, Dylan said.

I can’t stop thinking about the Klatrians.

Dylan nodded. Alien Kamikaze. Who would have imagined such a thing?

We don’t know enough about them, Dylan. Maybe in their society such a sacrifice might be considered the ultimate honor. Or perhaps these drones are conscripts to a dark cause we can barely imagine. She shook her head. It seems conflict exists everywhere. I really hoped that it wouldn’t be so, that other worlds might have advanced to a peaceful state, but perhaps violence is the only way to bring about the understanding and appreciation of harmony. Innocence, it seems, isn’t the way of the universe.

Her gaze drifted to a plaza adjacent to the palace. Scattered groups of people strolled along the mosaic paths or sat by acrobatically jetting fountains creating intricate patterns in the air. A young girl pointed excitedly as a plume of spray from the dancing water formed a shimmering rainbow. Well away from the path, beneath a lacy canopy of trees, a couple stood watching the girl. Though they appeared innocuous enough, something about their stance made her uneasy.

Dylan, over by the plaza. Look at that couple.

Suspiciously, they melted into the trees when Dylan casually glanced their way. Let me warn the guards.

As Aislinn watched, the couple threaded their way across the plaza. They did not linger and in passing through sunny patches, she noticed their urgency to seek shade. Moments later, a contingent of guards clad in royal blue tunics and trousers and bearing the royal insignia on their shoulders, surrounded the plaza. A flurry of activity, mostly concealed by the trees, finally revealed a pursuit. Pedestrians scattered as the senior guard shouted something. The man pushed the woman away and fled in the opposite direction.

Aislinn gasped as a sensation of coldness washed over her. At that moment, the woman doubled back and veered onto a path near the fountain. As if sensing Aislinn’s scrutiny, she suddenly paused and raised her eyes. Their glances locked, and a hostility beyond description emanated from the woman’s gaze. Bolting off at the sound of shouting, she somehow lost her footing and fell onto a sunny part of the path. Witnessing the spectacle below, Aislinn clasped the railing with white knuckles.

There! On the path! she cried out, the breeze carrying her voice downward to the guards, spurring them into action. Snared by the sunlight, the woman struggled to rise as though stunned. Her reactions were sluggish. She glared balefully and tried to bolt from the contingent of approaching guards, but stumbled again.

Dylan returned a moment later. It’s okay. They won’t get away. The guards have been on alert since yesterday’s incident. These two have actually been spotted before, but managed to get away.

Aislinn frowned at the woman’s increasing agitation. She stumbled with the uncoordinated movements of a drunkard.

Dylan, look!

A guard advanced on the disoriented woman while a second jumped her from behind and tackled her to the ground. The woman fought the men with unbelievable viciousness before her body abruptly slackened in their grip.

Watch yourself! Aislinn cried out to the guards, again sensing the woman’s malevolence.

Almost on cue, the woman exploded into a frenzied resistance. The second guard was caught by surprise and barely missed her flailing fists. It took both a supreme effort to subdue her. Aislinn watched in horror as the woman’s fury transformed into agony. Writhing in the sun, she began screaming and clawing at her face, the epidermis peeling off in shriveled, parchment-like strips. Even from a distance, Aislinn could see revulsion in the guards’ faces as the woman savagely gouged her flesh. Muddy fluid jetted from the wounds, and despite the intervention of a third guard, none could stop her self-mutilation.

Aislinn shook her head as if to banish the ugly scene. Dear God, is this what we’re up against?

Seems every being has their Achilles Heel, said Dylan, his expression reflecting a mixture of horror and disgust.

The third guard hastily tossed his cape over the woman’s bleeding face. Quickly, ignoring the gasps and stares of a growing crowd of onlookers, they hoisted the hysterical woman to her feet and led her away.

Aislinn’s gaze settled on a viscous brown puddle spreading across the tiles. Vulnerable they are indeed.

Their need to shun the sun reminds me of vampires, Dylan said.

She nodded abstractedly. But they’re still risking exposure regardless.

Dylan stared pointedly at her. No doubt because of our presence.

Aislinn tensely watched the guards continue to struggle with the woman, who seemed to possess almost supernatural strength. A trickle of blood dripped onto the path, forcing the men to watch their step. Nearby, agitated onlookers spoke and gestured in obvious alarm until a crab-shaped security vessel landed on the adjacent boulevard. Several more guards emerged from its opening hatches to form a dragnet around the woman until she was hustled into the ship.

Shouts from another contingent of guards rose from the plaza. Aislinn’s head swiveled toward the source. The pursuit of the man ended abruptly when the guards cornered him on a sun-drenched lawn fronting a reflecting pool at the northeastern corner of the plaza. Once again, Aislinn felt a creeping coldness nuzzle her flesh. She had witnessed evil before, but here it was again, in yet another manifestation.

Though the woman’s screams were clearly audible from the ship, the man did not seem concerned by them. Although he almost succeeded in dodging the guards, the sunlight soon defeated his efforts. Finding no shade, panting from exertion, his legs buckled and his movements became erratic as he began muttering and clawing at his face. The guards quickly closed in and covered his head before roughly escorting him away to the waiting security vessel. Its hatches irised shut, its streamlined flanks gleaming in the sunlight as it lifted off and sharply banked off into the sky. A crew of city maintenance workers waiting at a safe distance hurried to clean the bloodstained tiles.

It seems apparent that loyalty to their comrades isn’t an issue, Dylan said dryly.

Aislinn unsuccessfully suppressed a shudder. Nor the value of life, I’m willing to bet.

Her mind churned with questions, doubts and fears. Let’s call the council meeting now, she said, hurrying inside. She approached the emerald wheel and focused on its vivid depths, its speed increasing with the intensity of her concentration. The ring pulsed against her finger like a heartbeat, the gems glowing intensely. I’m going to try and reach Altithronus. The wheel began to blur as it spun. After a moment, Altithronus’ face appeared in miniature. He bowed his head and smiled.

Princess?

There’s been another incident, she said.

So I have just learned. I have called for the meeting to convene as soon as possible.

She nodded. Good. I’m afraid our presence has acted like a trigger. We have to move quickly.

Agreed.

Summon princess Nashira and ask her to attend the meeting as well. She will be our lieutenant in matters of decision.

Very well, if you feel she is ready to attend to matters of state.

We both know this isn’t a normal situation, Altithronus. Besides, I believe she’s more than capable of handling the responsibility. Please summon her.

I shall do so. I believe she is at the forest temple performing the Phaerna ceremony for your parents.

The ceremony of strength, she said.

Which she has conducted daily since her return. A contingent of guards has been permanently assigned to all of you, of course. I will contact her escort and have them take her to the temple, he said and bowed deeply. His image vanished when Aislinn moved away from the emerald wheel.

She glanced at Dylan. Strange, we’ve become so used to our Earth names I can’t think of Angelica as Nashira. It seems difficult to merge the child and the young woman. She paused. So now we start yet another journey. Not running away from danger this time, but rather, running toward it.

Dylan clasped her hand and squeezed it. Just think of it as another phase of our journey together. At some point in time, we’ll reach our destination.

Together they approached the massive double doors of their suite. They opened automatically to reveal four guards waiting outside. The men bowed respectfully. Aislinn regarded them briefly. All were young, their expressions betraying traces of curiosity and eagerness. In their features she glimpsed traits that harkened to the various Nirvanan tribesa swarthier complexion, an aquiline nose or a stockier physique. Service in the guard was highly coveted and only the elite were chosen from thousands of hopeful applicants. In many ways the competition reminded her of the fortunate few accepted by prestigious universities. She wondered if their forefathers had been in service to the royals, and what they might have witnessed in their time.

Quickly the guards escorted Aislinn and Dylan to a private elevator serving the royal wing of the palace. A balcony paralleled the full length of the east wing, the view encompassing a beautifully landscaped central courtyard dominated by a waterfall cascading into a pool housing exotic fish. The elevator, adorned with hand beaten copper frescoes, gently descended to a sub-level concourse for use exclusively by the royals. Once again, Aislinn stared in awe at the inlaid marble floor and intricate artwork gracing the walls. She could only compare it to what must have been the glory of ancient Greece and Rome.

Dylan appreciatively assessed the streamlined transport hovering silently above a magnetized track, the modern design somehow an intrusion against the splendor of the palace. Buffed metallic flanks undulated into a vaguely serpentine fashion, the recessed lights like glinting eyes. Sliding doors admitted them into a plush appointed interior—the broad, tinted windows allowing them a panoramic view of the city as the transport silently emerged from the station.

Reclined in a luxuriant, pneumatic seat, Dylan shook his head. You know, I used to love watching all those old science fiction shows, but while on Earth I never thought I’d actually live to see anything like this. I figured at best, we might get as far as shuttles to the moon or at least to an orbital station. Of course I had no recollection of my previous life, so this is a new experience for me. Our time away from Nirvana was so lengthy that I consider myself more human than Nirvanan.

Aislinn smiled. "On Earth, our experiences would make an amazing movie. Move over, Star Wars."

If there were even a Hollywood left to make movies, he said wistfully. At least the force was victorious in those films.

Though the journey to the city gates lasted only a few minutes, it allowed Aislinn and Dylan an opportunity to glimpse various snapshot images of their city. The pulse of Nirvana was captured in the endless movement and energy around them. A group of schoolchildren assembled excitedly around a huge aviary, its transparent netting sprawled across the treetops of a broad park. Further along on a vine-planted boulevard, a street market bustled with tempting offerings beneath gaily-festooned tents and flapping banners. Dylan watched with interest as another transport passed on the opposite track, his eyes scanning the gamut of faces in the windows.

Gently, the train descended in its track and pulled into the city gates terminus. The building was just as magnificent, the inlaid floor and banks of lush planters illuminated by several artfully placed skylights. Artful geometric designs created a crystalline effect that managed to convey transparency without sacrificing privacy. Here, however, the concourse was divided into private and public wings. As the guards escorted them off the transport, Aislinn glimpsed milling passengers through a smoked glass wall. Some paused to smile and wave at the royal pair, the obvious love conveyed by their expressions filling her with great pride. For a moment, the faces of the chosen she had led to the rainbow bridge filtered through her mind—their eyes had been filled with the same emotion. Can it be that one person should yield such power? she thought.

Do you see that? she said to Dylan.

See it? he replied. "I’ve felt it since we arrived. We are Nirvana’s future, Aislinn. We’re their hopes, their dreams, their salvation."

Not too much to expect, she said dryly.

He stopped and faced her. No, it’s not, because this is what we were meant to do.

Her attention was drawn to the growing crowd behind the glass wall. She felt the force of their energy infuse her with a sense of reassurance and power and drain away her uncertainties. Even the faces of the children pressed against the glass conveyed complete trust. The words of an Emily Dickenson quotation suddenly filtered into her mind. Not knowing when the dawn will come, I open every door.

So true, she thought. She reached for Dylan’s hand and nodded to the guards flanking the great bronze doors leading to the exit.

We’re ready now, she said.

Chapter Three

Aislinn and Dylan followed the guards toward a private glassed escalator leading to the ground level. Descending on silent resilient steps, they surveyed the gleaming façade of the gates rising ahead. Aislinn was struck by their deceptive fragility, the surface resembling an intricate ice-sculpture. Yet she knew their appearance belied their strength. At the bottom of the escalator, transparent doors whooshed open to admit them into the pleasant warmth of the Nirvanan day.

The entourage stepped out onto a tiled path bisecting a verdant park fronting the gates. As always, graceful fountains, pools and streams adorned the tranquil setting. Lacy trees, dripping sprays of stunning lavender blossoms, engulfed them with heady fragrance. Aislinn was briefly reminded of Earth years ago and the beautiful lilacs that once bloomed in Sarah’s garden.

Remind me to look into Nirvanan landscaping techniques, Dylan observed. Eventually, Chris could make a fortune back on Earth with customized waterscapes. I can see him now pitching in with the workers, digging, and hauling rocks.

Aislinn smiled at the thought of her father’s love for the land and recalled when people still had time to devote to such concerns. She wondered if any green places remained and what had happened to the wildlife. She gazed at the exotic gardens of Zamphirus. Lovely, isn’t it? It’s difficult to imagine such a peaceful setting invaded by something as ugly as the Klatrians.

A small gathering of onlookers applauded as the entourage continued through the open gates. Blessings to the princess! they cried. Blessings to the consort!

Aislinn smiled and nodded. Whatever tribulations the coming days would bring, she knew that she had her people’s unconditional support. Just ahead of them, the crystal temple rose majestically, a dazzling gem in the sun. Announcing the royals’ approach, a gong resonated, its vibrant chimes echoing throughout the city. It stopped when they arrived at the threshold of the temple.

Light filtered through the walls and bathed the interior in a surreal glow. Altithronus and the council members, dressed similarly to Dylan, were already assembled and spoke amongst each other in hushed tones. To the rear of the temple, Aislinn could not help but notice the anachronistic appearance of a cylindrical beam of light containing lazily drifting silver particles. As Dylan and Aislinn entered, all silenced and rose, bowing their heads.

To Aislinn’s delight Nashira was also present, her lovely face radiant as she briefly hugged them both. Her outfit complemented Aislinn’s, though the fabric glowed in a lovely rose tone. The council members bowed in acknowledgment, their faces serious. Aislinn and Dylan greeted each and seated themselves on two gilded high-backed seats flanking the altar. The skull glowed from its niche, its socketless eyes following her. Her gaze rested on the emerald wheel—the ring pulsing as the green depths briefly blurred and shimmied.

After the gathering seated themselves on cushioned banks facing the altar, Altithronus opened the meeting with a traditional chant followed by three soundings of a golden, skull-shaped gong. Incense coiled from several crescent shaped braziers and snaked lazily around the temple, the aroma reminiscent of sandalwood. The group responded with a final benediction.

When the ceremony concluded, Aislinn rose to address the council. Altithronus remained standing beside her. Briefly she mused on her burgeoning