The Calendar Year GC

By Emil Crise

The second saga of Angel of the Stones and an adventure into the future. Learn the fate of one man in his fight to save his country and reunite with his soulmate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Emil Crise
• Release date: Jun 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311757067

Emil Crise

Emil Crise is a fiction writer. You can reach me at [e-mail]

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THE CALENDAR YEAR GC

The Second Saga of Angel of the Stones

Copyright 2015 Emil Crise

Published by Emil Crise at Smashwords

Smashwords Edition License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your enjoyment only, then please return to Smashwords.com or your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Paradise for a Fallen Angel

Chapter Two: The Path From Eden

Chapter Three: A Warriors Birth

Chapter Four: The Colonel’s Wrath

Chapter Five: The Healing

Chapter Six: Illusions

Chapter Seven: The Fields of Rye

Chapter Eight: Tormented Reality

Chapter Nine: Mister Green

Chapter Ten: The Order according to Travis

Chapter Eleven: The History of Doc

Chapter Twelve: The Banker and his Wife

Chapter Thirteen: The Processing

Chapter Fourteen: The Welcome

Chapter Fifteen: The Team

Chapter Sixteen: The Belly of the Cave

Chapter Seventeen: Capitalism Run Amuck

Chapter Eighteen: A Dream and Way Out

Chapter Nineteen: Ernie & Shaver

Chapter Twenty: Decisions

Chapter Twenty-One: The Banker’s Hidden Contribution

Chapter Twenty-Two: Shared Desire

Chapter Twenty-Three: The Face of Death

Chapter Twenty-Four: Perfecting the Plan

Chapter Twenty-Five: Top Side the Spoils of Victory

Chapter Twenty-Six: Good Brandy

Chapter Twenty-Seven: Dream Catcher

Chapter Twenty-Eight: Passions Poison

Chapter Twenty-Nine: George ‘Taterman’ Powell

Chapter Thirty: The Church of The Rising Sun and Horus

Chapter Thirty-One: Cabana & Comfort

Chapter Thirty-Two: Banker’s Comforts

Chapter Thirty-Three: Breaking Free

Chapter Thirty-Four: The River of Life

Chapter Thirty-Five: Redemption

Chapter Thirty-Six: The Basement Temple

Chapter Thirty-Seven: Going Home

Chapter Thirty-Eight: Fate’s Reunion

Chapter Thirty-Nine: Vitruvian Man

Chapter Forty: Scott’s Playground

Chapter Forty-One: Pilgrimage to The East

Chapter Forty-Two: The Arch Gateway

Chapter Forty-Three: Yudhisthir’s Great Battle

Chapter Forty-Four: One door Opens One Closes

Chapter Forty-Five: Doubts and Dreams

Chapter Forty-Six: Mondak

Chapter Forty-Seven: Declaration of Independence

Chapter Forty-Eight: Homecoming

Chapter Forty-Nine: Michelle

Chapter Fifty: The Wrath of the General

Chapter Fifty-One: Angel of The Stones

Chapter Fifty-Two: The Old Miner

Chapter One: Paradise for a Fallen Angel

The beginning of dawn broke the tranquility of their slumber. Randy reaching over to Michelle with his hand brushed her long golden hair, and then pulled closer to her. Did you sleep well? He asked.

Michelle’s almond shaped brown eyes lit up as she slowly began to recapture her waking awareness back from a night of sleep. Looking around the campsite, she sat up stretching her arms wide and yawning. Ah Randy I had a dream it was so real.

The rough rocks and sand terrain canvassed in by the deep cut red canyons and the roar of the mountain stream confirmed her settings. My dream took me back home, not here, she said looking around the canyon.

I was back at the farm in Ohio, sitting in the patio area near the meadow. You know how I loved just sitting there. You were next to me. . . But instead of fields of high grass, and rows of oak fencing in the pasture, the horses were grazing on pockets of grass scattered around the sand dunes. I could smell the sweet grass mixed with the smell of sand and salt water. It reminded me of the wild horses roaming the Outer Banks. On the other side of the dunes, I could see a beach. It was the ocean . . . I think. She paused for a moment, staring forward while stroking her long blades of blonde hair, to recapture her memory.

"The waves at first were gentle. Their whitecap tops steady and soothing as they reached the shore. I got up and walked towards the beach, and as I turned and looked back towards you, your smile melted away. You started pointing at the ocean. I could tell you we were worried. I traced your eyes and they seemed focused . . . almost fixated far out into the sea. At first, I couldn’t see a reason for your concern. But as I continued looking out at the horizon, I saw the menacing dark grey and purple clouds. They seemed angry forcing its will on the blue sky that seemed so peaceful. Then I felt the winds and saw the waves pushing harder onto the shore, it made a deafening sound. I struggled to stand upright fighting the winds pushing and pulling at me. Then the storm started to unleashed heavy rains, pelting my body with raindrops collected from far out in the sea and now seemingly thrown back to earth in a display of vengeance by the storm. It drew me to it. . . at least at first. I’ve always liked the energy in a storm. But this time I couldn’t break from its hold. I heard you call my name.

"When I turned back to you, you were gone. And in your place, Scott now stood.

Scott? Randy said.

"Yes Scott and that’s where the dream started to get even more bizarre. He kept beckoning me to follow him . . . I froze in my spot but he kept putting his hand out, motioning me to hurry. I felt confused, and told him I don’t understand.

He started laughing, Michelle broke into a small smile as she replayed her memory of the dream. "Not a laugh of ridicule, but honestly a comforting laugh. Almost one of reassurance, you know, not to worry everything was going to be okay. Then he said something strange. . . He said I needed to seek out the storm. I didn’t understand him. But before I could ask, he turned and walked into the barn closing the door, behind him. I shouted at him to stay. As I ran over to the barn, the gale winds from the ocean started to push the waves further in shore creating havoc on its path. The wind became even louder and more forceful as the storm took on a violent siege, dropping sheets of large raindrops and pounding its waves in a fury of attacks on the shore.

I started banging on the barn door, shouting for him to open it, pleading for him to explain what he meant by finding refuge in the storm. And just before I gave up, the barn door swung open and instead of Scott at the door stood Ross. At least I think it was Ross.

Ross, Randy said cracking a smile and brandishing a bewildered look. What would make you think it was Ross? You never even met him, did you?

Yes, I mean no I never met him, but it had to be him, it was the same high set cheek bones you have, she said running her back of her hand along Randy’s cheek line.

I just knew it was him. He reached over, brushed my hair, and gave me a smile, maybe it was the same crooked smile you have . . . Or maybe that same look that made me realize it was him. His hair was like yours, but blonde. It had to be Ross. Then he said if you ever see Randy again . . . tell him I am okay. Let him know everything worked out. Then he pointed towards the ocean and said that’s where you belong you can’t enter this passage. I could see the storm had now evolved into two powerful twisters. Perfectly shaped like twin tornadoes but their tails almost looked like spiral steps rotating and pulling everything in their path. He pointed at them and said there . . . there is your rightful place. Before I could say anything he touched me on the cheek again and that’s when I woke up and felt your touch.

Weird dream, Randy said, as he got up and started to roll his sleeping bag. Makes you wonder if someone or something was reaching out to you or hell, maybe just you subconscious mind sorting everything out. I feel bad I woke you up. Maybe there was more to learn about the dream. With all the history and weird stuff since finding the crystals, I can’t help but think there’s something more than just some undigested deer jerky.

My mother always said she had the gift of vision in dreams. Maybe I inherited some of it. Michelle helped tie off Randy’s sleeping bag then attended to her own. Stopping for moment, she looked over at Randy. Randy . . . I think it’s telling us we need to leave. Maybe that’s why Scott was in my dream. Given our recent history with him you can’t help but think it was a warning. I get the feeling something big is coming and if we don’t leave where going to get caught in the middle of it.

I couldn’t agree more about Scott. But you really think your dream is trying to warn us?

I do but it’s hard to understand what exactly from, Michelle said tying off her sleeping roll. I mean it was a strange dream. The tornadoes they fed each other. One seemed to pull everything into its belly then instantaneously fed that to the other twister. And when I say everything I’m talking it was pulling ‘time’. It was pulling everything in our present that was happening now and recording it. Then somehow the other tornado would release the same information but changing it first. Changing it to a future time with different outcomes then you would expect given the present circumstances. Does that make sense to you?

Randy shook his head smiling in amusement. What do you mean changing it first?

I don’t know I guess it was if it changed our complete reality How we see things. How we feel. Michelle paused seeing Randy’s face turn from a smile to an uncomfortable stare. "Never mind it was just a crazy dream. I just think, maybe we’ve overstayed our welcome here.

Well . . . I don’t know about your dream. But I suppose it got to count for something seeing how half our life is spent sleeping. And although dreams go good with sleep, water works pretty good on this side of the coin. I mean we got water right here, Randy pointed to the stream. We even had some luck with grabbing a trout or two out of the spring. Besides what are we going to do with the lame horse? Traveling with one, we really couldn’t get very far. Maybe were reading more into this then there is. Maybe we should just give it couple more days . . . ha?

Michelle shook her head in disagreement. It’s already been almost a week, and the lameness in the horse really doesn’t seem to be getting better. I think the poor horse is hurt worse than we want to believe. Besides, I just keep getting this feeling we need to move from this area . . . Don’t you? Maybe that’s what the dream was all about, warning us about the storm approaching.

Nah, Randy said, as he got up and started to stir the coals in the fire and ready it to brew coffee. I mean the dream and all; I don’t think that’s what its saying. I mean it could . . . but really, I almost get the exact opposite feeling staying here. To me it seems very peaceful almost calming for me. To be honest with you, it feels like paradise. And really, Michelle . . . that’s all I want or need. What does one more week matter anyway? We wouldn’t cover much ground with a lame horse to begin with."

Maybe then Randy, Michelle paused for a moment then forced her words out. Maybe it would be best for you to take the good horse and leave with the crystals?

Leave you behind? I don’t think that would be a wise plan at all.

Think about it Randy. I could nurse the horse. Maybe catch up with you in a few days.

Randy took Michelle by the shoulders. No Michelle, it’s safer for us together. That dream, maybe it was a warning or premonition, an instrument to provide a little more clarity from the vague substance the crystals seem to shadow us with. But, I have to go with this first, Randy said taking Michelle’s hand and placing it on his heart.

No. . . I’ve made up my mind . . . we stay together. Regardless of how the crystals may want to dictate our future, being together has worked out fine up to this point. Maybe even saved us. Please no more talk like this. . . I’ll go down and check on the horse. Try to get him to move around a little to work out the soreness. Okay? Randy gently stoked her cheek revitalizing her smile. Now that’s better, I love the way you smile, it just fills the whole area with a beautiful warm energy.

Michelle turned away hiding her conciliatory smile. Sure Randy, whatever you say. I’ll gather some water down at the creek. We can heat it and make some hot compresses to wrap around his hock. It seemed to help his movement the other day.

Randy left to attend to the horse, Michelle in turn gathered up a container for the water and clean towel. As she walked to the secluded path to the creek, she stopped in her tracks. Standing perfectly still, she attempted to discern the normal noises she had become accustomed and those that might be unnatural to her surroundings. Is someone there? She briefly waited for a reply as she scanned the area then attempted to focus her ear towards the sounds. Satisfied she was alone, she continued to the creek.

A fallen tree partially over the creek provided the perfect seating area were Michelle comfortably sat wading her feet and acclimating her body to the cool water rushing over the creek rocks. The depth of the water near the tree formed a small eddy, maybe four and half feet . . five feet at the deepest. The water was clear, and occasionally a small fish would swim past her hugging along the bottom of the sand and gravel bed scavenging a meal of moss balls or algae.

Sticking her feet into the water to test it, she instantly felt the numbness of the cold mountain stream water and quickly drew them back out. Michelle then slipped her dress off and delicately submerged her firm and slender naked body into the cool water until only her head peeked above the water line. Dunking her head under the water, she jolted back from under the veil of the mountain fed waters exhilarated by its refreshing crispness. As her sight broke the plane of the water, her eyes widened and she let out a gasp. Son of a bitch you scared me! she exclaimed covering her mouth in partial shock.

A man sat mounted on top of his horse roughly ten feet from the creek. His blue hazel eyes set far apart reflected confidence and his solid symmetrical cheekbones cast a knightly pedigree. He broke into a casual smile taking a moment to admire her vivacious charm, and beauty of her innocence.

You’re alive? Michelle said.

I hope I haven’t disappointed you? The man responded, leaning forward on his horse and running his hand through his blonde hair longer then he was accustomed. But yes, quiet alive. Maybe even enlightened from the journey you graciously convinced the Medicine Man to provide. I think your quote was something about being captivated into your web?

Don’t flatter yourself. They were on to you the minute you walked into that cave. I offered little insight to the stage your theatrics had already provided. Michelle reacting to the cold water began shivering. In response, the man dismounted from his horse and offered the towel to Michelle. Your towel, my lady. He said with a grin accentuating his square chin, and deceivingly kind eyes.

As Michelle reached for the towel, The man’s eyes widen as he let the towel drop from her reach taking one last opportunity to ogle her body. Michelle, undaunted by his action, strutted out of the water exposing herself in a natural and uninhibited fashion. Grabbing the towel, she looked over her shoulder and caught the man admiring her naked back. She smiled at him, then pulled her dress back over her body, and motioned the man to follow her.

Randy had already returned to the camp from tending to the horses. Seeing the man, his eyebrow’s rose and he cast a tense watchful eye. There was little reason to mistake, the lost trust between them. The memories and emotions of a childhood friend. . . who had betrayed Randy poured front center into his thoughts. A friend who at one time had studied to be a rabbi only to later reinvent himself as corporate leader in a business called UBSN. The company, United Brotherhood of Sovereign Nations, composed of wealthy investors, had aligned themselves with a powerful western entity called the Rising Sun Western Church.

The company, amongst many things, dealt in an array of commodities, military contracts, and in Randy’s mind, an aggressive posturing to take over the country, especially a country trying to regroup after the catastrophic solar flares that had destroyed the country’s power source, and gave birth to a chaotic downfall of the country. And now Scott, the man in front of him was the persona that drove the ambitions of the Corporation. A drive fueled by Scott’s attempt to more than anything . . . possess the crystals. The three sacred minerals that possessed the ability of prophesy and a hidden legacy of yet uncovered and untold powers.

Brother, Scott said, putting his hand out and casting an affable glance. I see we both survived the initial phase of this madness. Good to see you again my brother.

Randy, stood silent, his sight firmly dug in the ground avoiding any eye contact. He shook his head to politely acknowledge Scott, while trying to conceal his anger. His thoughts simmering on Scott’s betrayal began to boil until he could no longer contain it and he unleashed its fury with a hard roundhouse to Scott’s jaw. The power of his anger knocked Scott flat on the ground.

As Scott slowly got up, Randy positioned his arms and hands tight to his body and close to his face anticipating a counter attack from Scott. Easy brother, Scott said as he stood upright, brushing the dust from his pants. I guess I had that coming. And now hopefully with that unpleasant hostility out of the way, I suggest you save the fighting spirit for someone who ain’t got your back.

Got my back? You convinced the Indians back at the cave to drug me! Is that your version of covering someone’s back?

Maybe a slight misdirection on my part . . . but, you’re still alive. . . for now anyway.

What do you mean by that?

You do realize Randy, that you and Michelle are sitting ducks in the bottom of this canyon. Do you even know where you’re at? Brother, you’ve had those crystals for a couple weeks now. Look around, Scott cast his arms in an overly dramatic swing offering a panoramic view to the surroundings. Does Santa Fe, New Mexico jar a memory for you? Scott turned towards Michelle. How about you Michelle? Do you realize the significance of this place?

I get it Scott. Yes, both Michelle and I have been able to at least understand the significance of this area. But honestly I thought we were a good one hundred, maybe a hundred and fifty miles from Santa Fe.

Nope, brother. You’re within a couple hours hike from the outer city limits of Santa Fe. Scott eyed the coffee brewing on the grill, without asking he took liberties and poured himself a cup. Had you ventured another ten miles east you would have ended up right smack in the middle of town. Honestly though, good thing you didn’t. City is in total chaos, no electricity, no fuel, most of the food source gone, and water supply starting to dry up pretty quick. National Guard tried to salvage some of the bigger cities when the solar flares first hit. God bless the Guard they hung in as long as they could. Hell, the disgusting buildup of garbage and sewage took most of their time, and that in itself was a losing battle. Once the backup supplies of essential living items failed to show up, most of the Guard said the hell with it and abandoned their post. I think they realized that even under martial law there was no way to control the situation. It was getting bad, when orders came down to use any force necessary to keep control, most Guard folks had seen enough. Little, by little, more and more of the troops just left. Headed back home I’m sure in hopes the same blight hadn’t besieged their own families and love ones. Word slowly getting around that the breakdown is not just isolated to this area. Chaos everywhere you go. The loss of power worldwide took a huge toil on first responders. Crazy part is the solar flares were silent and deadly. No one had a clue at first what happen. Most thought it was temporary power outages, an inconvenience. Then as hours turned to days and days to weeks, the stress of the newly imposed life started to take its toll. People got scared. Scott paused, and then continued. I worry deeply about my own family.

What about the Government? Who the hell is leading this country? Randy asked.

Military, plain and simple. Everyone in the executive and legislative branch burrowed deep into the ground in bunkers the minute the warnings went out. They were too damn worried about the after effects of nuclear plant meltdowns to care about governing a country. Heard some rumors folks back east hit pretty hard from nuclear fallout. Inaction of our leaders pissed a lot of folks off. Anybody remotely associated with the power structure, governors, mayors, judges you name it. People took out their anger. Word has it the national mall has been renamed judicial row. Apparently, the mobs found it to their liking to use that area to execute those not fortunate enough to have an underground invite. From what I’m told, it made the French revolution look like child’s play.

If the military is in control, where are they?

Brother, they may be the last thread holding this country together. But even they suffer from a lack of unity. Most, from what I’ve heard, are vying for dominance and power themselves. Unfortunately, without the use of communication the military leadership has been severely handicapped from utilizing its troops and resources. A lot of divisions and squadron were initially assigned areas to police the major cities once the solar impact knocked out power. I suppose their main objective was to keep the supplies of resources moving into the cities selected as compounds. Pre-designated areas the elites thought were worth saving. Unfortunately no concentrated effort to speak of to bring unity to any of the forces. I suppose they’re just reduced to a modern day Calvary, limited by lack of resources and technology. They have neither sufficient communication nor adequate logistics to make them effective long term. Can you believe this critter right here had become the chosen mode of transportation? Scott patted his horse and gave Michelle a quick glance. They are indeed burden with a task to serve man . . . whether they like it or not. Scott took a sip of his coffee, made a sour face and then spit it out dumping the reminder of the coffee on the ground.

Anyway that’s where the military stands. And some in the military are doing more than just seizing the opportunity to challenge those in leadership and broker their own power structure. Some are succeeding. . . And that my brother is what brings me here.to the battle of the canyon as prophesied in the book of crystals.

The first battle of the modern day civil war, the new crusades led by the resurrected Indian nations, Randy shook his head from side to side. Somehow I didn’t envision you being a part of the Scott.

Scott let out a laugh. So you can’t brew coffee worth a shit out here but you have learned to at least harness the small gift of prophesy the crystals provide. I’m betting still limited usage at best.

Why do you say that?

Had you learned more, you would have known better than to box yourself in this canyon with Colonel Cutler’s forces patiently getting ready to make their siege.

He’s here? Where? And why? Randy asked taking a survey of the area.

Scott pointed to the top of the canyon rim using his other hand to shade his eyes from the sun’s glare. See that area? That’s where most of his camp has deployed. He’s attempting to circle around you . . . close you in I suppose. He’s got at least a small division sitting ready. That’s close to ten thousand men. Afraid it won’t be much of a memorable battle, especially if we don’t get out of this area.

Jesus, why a whole division? What’s he trying to prove?

The Colonel doesn’t take chances. He’s here because he wants the crystals. He knows about their use, especially in battle. That really is his only interest. The legend, or better the legacy, the crystals have in aiding its suitor in battle goes all the way back to biblical days of King Solomon right up to the Third Reich in Germany. Enough history anyway to convince him of one thing . . . whether he’s a man of integrity, or man of dishonesty, the crystals are not biased to those that learn to harvest their gift. And he will stop at nothing to possess them.

Randy shook his head again, his brow pulling tightly inward refusing to make eye contact. That just don’t make sense.

Scott knocked the tin coffee cup against a rock then examined it for any remaining coffee grains before setting it down. What? You don’t believe me. You question his motive? . . . Or maybe you question my motive?

No, Randy said finally looking up at Scott with a wary look. It’s just I’m not sure what to believe. The Colonel came across as more . . . I don’t know; I guess more protective to the crystals then an enemy. Besides you two have always been more friend then foe. Can’t see you itching to fight each other.

Oh . . . okay, Scott said nodding his head abruptly in a mocking fashion. I get it brother, the whole guardian and protector bullshit. And I guess I am the anti-protector, or better yet the diablo in all this. Put that shit to rest brother. It’s starting to piss me off. We already did the math on your lineage, you aren’t next in line brother, and the good book of crystals, kind of demands that. Besides brother, I don’t think you’re suited for them. They seem to only bring more grief then good fortune for you. And I guarantee you, we have not even touched the tip of the iceberg concerning what the crystals can and can’t do. Scott gave Michelle a quick enamored glance before continuing.

And for the Colonel, word is he abandoned his post, had orders to protect the chosen areas after the solar strikes. But not the Colonel. No sir, your self-proclaimed protector, he had his own ambitions. He wasn’t going to play second fiddle to no one. Took his brigade and marched right out west to find you and the crystals. In the interim of his travels, he nicely recruited and built his brigade into a full division. If our government ever does come together . . .I’m pretty sure he won’t settle for anything less than controlling all of it. And quite honestly, given his history with your ex, he seems to be a thorn in your side more than anything. Can’t see how you would construe his acquaintance as friendship. But hey, it is what it is. As for fighting him, please brother I have no intention of putting myself in position where another man has the advantage. After all I’m a lover, not a fighter. Scott gave Michelle a wink then turned his attention back to Randy. I merely want to get us all safely out of here, and right now the best plan of action is to sneak back up the canyon and high tail it out of here. I suggest you saddle up the horses and follow me up the trail. It will take every bit of the remaining day if we start now. No easy way out of here.

Randy let out a sigh. No can do. Got one good horse, the other is lame.

Damn brother you ain’t making this easy on me. Scott smacked Randy on the knee and stood up. Well, that just leaves the option of getting you out one at a time. Terrain too rough to try to double up on one horse. You make the call brother, I take either you, or Michelle out first. Doubt I will be able to get back in tonight. I’ll try if I’m able, but can’t count on it. Hopefully tomorrow the window to get out is still open.

What make you think the window hasn’t already closed? Michelle asked breaking her silence.

Scott cracked his neck. Let’s just say sweetheart I worked out a plan to assure our safe passage and leave it at that.

For a moment in silence Michelle and Randy in unison cast doubtful stares at Scott.

Okay then. Scott finally said feeling a little uncomfortable by the unity of silence. If you must know, I developed a partnership with a young Apache man. Seems he has an interest in protecting the legacy of the crystals. Pretty ingenious young man. His allegiance comes fully armed with, quite honestly, a pretty savvy vessel of warriors. I think they have just about enough fire power and men to keep the passage open, hopefully long enough to get both of you out.

Randy chuckled, so you brought the Indians to save us from the Calvary?

Sure I guess you could say that, but honestly, this Indian they call Yudhisthir . . . he has a pretty noticeable force. Stockpiled tons of weapons at the reservation, but his true gift is his ability to unite. He’s put together a colossal of gangs stretching damn near coast to coast. Bikers, street gangs, and a rebirth of tribal nations. They are his warriors. Even worked for our boy the Colonel, some type of DOD bullshit job in the Pentagon. He’s a computer geek, not much of a package, just a mean little scrapper, barely can walk without a limb but fights like hell. Like I said brother, I got your back.

Take Michelle out first, Randy said gazing towards Michelle then Scott. I want her safe. I’ll wait for you to return.

NO! . . . Not at all. I won’t let you do that, Michelle turned her body towards Randy shielding Scott from the conversation while keeping a vigilant watch from the corner of her eye. We can walk out, she whispered softly, I mean how can we even trust Scott?

That won’t work, Scott said surprising them with his astute hearing. Time is not our friend. He said glancing at the suns position. And trust . . . you don’t have the luxury of time to debate it. The best option to get both of you safely out of here is horseback.

He’s right Michelle, Randy said looking at Scott. Don’t worry I’ll hedge my bet by keeping the crystals with me. I’m pretty sure that’s all the motivation he’ll need to find his way back in. Wouldn’t you agree Scott?

Brother, Scott said, casting Michelle a gaze, then cracking his neck again and letting out a smile as he tightly yanked at the girth on his saddle to tighten it. I’ve never lacked for motivation when I have my sights on something. Rest assured I’ll be back to get you. Scott grabbed his horse’s reigns leading it to the bending creek alongside the campsite.

Before allowing it to drink, he called back. "Water okay to drink?

Yeah, Randy shouted back.

Ain’t like that back east. Hell, most of the rivers will kill you. Got to be careful now days, Scott shouted back as the horse eagerly lapped at the water.

Randy began helping Michelle gather her horse and her essential gear. Gathering her sleeping bag and tying it to her saddle, Randy turned to see Scott pissing in the water upstream from the horse. Scott turned for a second and smiled, you got go brother, you gotta go. Randy shook his head in disgust. Satisfied Scott was preoccupied, Randy took the crystals encased in a leather suede tie wrap and stuffed them between Michelle’s sleeping bag. Michelle gave Randy a puzzled look. Why Randy, why are you giving me them?

Because they belong to you Michelle, and you’re right they need to be moved. Just in case I don’t . . .

In case you don’t what Randy? No . . . I won’t take them. This isn’t right.

Yes it is. You have to take them Michelle. We’re not going to argue about this. Take them, I think you need to, Randy emphasized trying to keep his voice down The dream, I think I understand what it meant. It’s all part of this. You’re …."

You’re what? Scott said interrupting Randy and Michelle as he approached the two of them from the creek.

Nothing, Randy said slightly startled by Scott. He nervously hurried to tie the end of the sleeping bag roll to Michelle’s horse, then turned to Scott. You take care of this girl you hear me Scott?

Brother no time for lectures please, she’ll be okay.

Michelle made one last attempt to look back at Randy, as Scott led her to the trail. Her eyes reflected sadness. She turned quickly before he could see her tears fall.

Chapter Two: The Path From Eden

The trail leading to the passage near the rim of the canyon came every bit as advertised by Scott. The challenge presented itself in sharp swayback paths that narrowed into steep ledges less than three feet wide. Any misstep on the part of the horse and it, and the rider, would plummet down the sharp drop of jagged cut canyon walls three hundred feet down, to their presumed deaths. Some of the trails broke off leading into a dead end and others circled back down into the canyon. Those unfamiliar with the trail, or without an experience guide, would have trouble navigating them. The degree of difficulty increased proportionate to the steepness of the swaybacks, leaving little margin of error in ascending the canyon. Halfway up the canyon, Scott and Michelle found a small patch off the trail to rest the horses.

Finding the only shade, Michelle and Scott dismantled from their horses. The sun, now at its peak, burned their skin. Water from the canteens brought back a refreshing vigor back to their sun perched bodies. Scott leaned his back to the canyon wall, took the last few drops from his canteen, then gave Michelle a smile. Michelle, anxious to continue up the canyon tightened her saddle then mounted her horse.

You in a hurry? Scott asked walking over to Michelle and offering her a drink from his second canteen. Michelle took the canteen, wiped the mouthpiece with her shirt and then took a swig.

Scott resting for a moment leaned his hand against Michelle’s blanket roll containing the crystals. Michelle in response tensed the reins on the horse causing the horse to slightly shift and dislodging Scotts hand from the roll.

Michelle handed the canteen to Scott. I would think you would be in just as much of a hurry to get back down here. If not to try to get Randy out tonight . . . to at least be closer to the crystals. Scott stood motionless staring at Michelle then averted his eyes towards the blanket roll then back to Michelle.

You really believe that’s my motivation for being here? Do you really picture me as that shallow of a man? I think you need to understand that Randy and I have a kinship that exceeds the short passing shadow of time your connection has built with him. Judge me as you will but I do have a desire to see that Randy comes out of this with the least amount of sacrifice on his part. Scott’s eyes in an un-commanded reflex drew back to the blanket roll containing the crystals. True, the crystals are important to me, as they should be to anyone that understands the power they yield. And to be honest with you Michelle, I don’t think there is an ounce of sincerity in the naivety you seem to have about them. You may have Randy fooled, but darling, it ain’t my first trip to the rodeo. You can give up the charades. It will make it easier on both of us in the long run.

Michelle adjusted herself in the saddle, then gave the horse a swift kick. Scott quickly followed suit and trotted alongside Michelle. Grabbing her reigns, he stopped her.

You do understand the true powers of the crystals, don’t you Michelle? he asked with an inquisitive look bordering on confusion.

Michelle sat silent, her face drained of any emotion or at least of any she cared to show. Does it really matter how I answer you Scott? You seem to think I do. So why even ask me?

Your father, my god, Michelle, he had to have shared it with you. Didn’t he?

Michelle nodded her head it was the only reply she would give. Scott studied her face. Focusing his squinting eyes intently on her facial movements hoping to draw out any hidden response to his question. You really don’t know, do you? Jesus, Michelle, I thought I could maybe protect Randy from his part, but you, girl I got to admit I was hoping I could count on you to help me.

You keep saying protect Randy. What are you protecting him from . . . the Colonel? I mean what is his part? Isn’t he the Guardian of the crystals? I’ve seen how he handles them. Surely if their legend is true he has some protection.

Scott tilt his head to one side like a dog might trying to understand his master. He’s had some success with the crystals? . . Interesting.

Why does that surprise you? Randy is a very resourceful and clever man. Every day he was learning to use them in some magical or mystical way. I swear he was willing them to perform. I can’t explain it. I mean he produced fire from those crystals. Fire! From a crystal that was as cold as an ice cube to the touch. God knows how much more he could’ve done with them had he not quit using them.

Quit using them! Why?

Because I asked him to quit.

Why would you do something so foolish like that?

Because Scott, I care about him. I saw something that freaked me out one day when he was messing with them.

Like what?

Michelle hesitated unsure it was wise to discuss what she had witnessed, then hoping Scott might shed some insight, shared her story. A strange aura appeared from nowhere. It looked like a bright yellow orange cloud. Maybe it came from the crystals I don’t know. He went into a trance, started talking in tongues. My god, my heart almost stopped . . . I was so scared. I kept calling out his name but it was as if he wasn’t even in his body. Michelle paused for a moment catching Scott inch closer to her with a sudden change of expression as his eyebrows lowered focusing on her words. But what scared me more than anything is when I attempted to shake him from his trance. The aura surrounding him made a hissing sound, almost like a snake. Then I swear something from the crystals like a force I can’t explain, attacked me and kicked me to the ground. I felt a hot energy rip through me body like a bolt of lightning. The hair on my skin stood straight up. At first it paralyzed me. I was afraid to even try to move. By the time I felt normal again, Randy had already started to break from this strange trance holding him. He had no idea what had happened. I think he was embarrassed. After explaining what I had witnessed he promised he would limit his use of the crystals. For a while . . . I think he gave them a greater degree of respect to the danger they might hold. So Scott, if there is a greater evil or danger in those crystals that might harm Randy, I won’t go another step further until you tell me what you know about the crystals?

Scott cracked his neck, then gauzed at the sun with squinting eyes. "Alright Michelle, the long version will have to wait, at this point the gift of sunlight is limited, so here is the short rendering of the crystals.

Do you believe in angels Michelle? I mean, literally a concrete belief in angels? I’m talking parallel to the biblically proportion.

Sure I guess . . .I suppose it’s reasonable to believe angels could or do exist.

Then it could be assumed fallen angels also exist, right?

Sure I guess anything is possible,

Maybe the first fallen angels were Eve and Adam. Remember this is only the abbreviated translation it gets a lot more complicated. So holding onto that thought . . . The true gift of the stones, as I have been able to interpret . . . free the fallen angel, humankind, from his sentence of slavery to pre-destination. The crystals if used properly have the power to help us raise above our current consciousness . . . all this bullshit we experience. Scott cast his arm out waving it over the canyon stage with a look of disgust. We take it back and we unlock the hidden secrets of our universe once shared equally with our creators. Michelle tilt her head back in her saddle What you don’t believe me? You think I’m making this up?

It’s not that I don’t believe . . but how? How could any of that be possible?

"Quite simply stated, the crystals help its user travel back and forth from our world into parallel realms or worlds. Bust through a fabric of space and break into what I suppose you could say is the design room of our creation

How do you know that?

You just have to trust me on that. The science of it all is far more complicated than I could explain in a short time, Scott’s voice modulated with sudden enthusiasm sparked by her interest. "And I’m not even sure I understand all of it, but I am totally convinced it’s real. Simply put, think of the world as a simulation and the crystals control the gateway to reengineer . . . or reprogram our simulation. From what I’ve learned, the crystals amplify the properties of waves and particles at the subatomic level. A sort of harmonic vibration that helps create a doorway to freely move throughout the entire universe and creations even beyond our universe. And darling there are more than one reality out there for all of us.

Scott caught up in his own excitement seized Michelle by her arms squeezing them tightly while burrowing his eyes into hers. Think about that. Its gift allows the user to defy the principles of evolution. Expand beyond the limiting and crude five senses we rely on as we pay homage and servitude to the imprisoning laws of nature, created by our malevolent programmers. An awakening to a new evolved consciousness, a chance to scurry up the stairway and knock on heaven’s door and say I’m home . . . and you know the best part of it. It’s all void of the drama or immoral sentence of death given to us by our creators. Don’t you see Michelle, once we leave the doorway to the simulation we live in, we can rescript everything. If used properly, we no longer need to sit obedient to the laws of the universe but instead rise above all of it. And even possibly back engineer a pathway that re-acquaints us with our creators allowing us to share equally in the knowledge of who we are and where we came from. A chance that brings the Garden of Eden back to us. Prophesy, cold fusion . . . all just toys to the real potential that exist with the crystals.

Michelle shook her head her face aghast with concern. I don’t know that I agree we should even want something like that. I don’t think we’ve fallen at all, if anything we’ve grown as people. Michelle turned to look deep into Scott’s eyes searching to try and understanding the internal struggle within him. Then she spoke in a soft soothing voice. What is so wrong with your world that you can’t learn to embrace what the world already is? Is it really that bad for you Scott? I don’t really want or expect any more in this life then I already have.

Scott shook his head in disagreement. You would if you truly understood what’s within your reach.

No I disagree . . . I think you’re opening Pandora’s Box. And I’m afraid the cost of it will affect more than just you . . . And what scares me most about that, I don’t think you even care who it affects.

Scott’s eyes labored on Michelle for a short period in silence savoring her thoughts, then broke into a deafening laughter that echoed throughout the canyon. When his laughter abruptly stopped, he smacked Michelle’s horse