The Journey Beyond: Universal Truths

By Cheryl A. Matsen-Nieves

Fun filled magical fantasy action packed adventure that will thrill young readers!

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Mar 2, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483564869

Book preview

Wolvarith walked slowly over to Raphael and said, We have much to talk about, my lord.

I am not worthy of such a title. I am no more than a commoner fighting for the good of mankind. Where, may I ask, did you get that thought from?

"Why do you think you were chosen to fight for all of mankind? Why does the universe grant you such knowledge and wisdom of what is to come? Why does the universe grant such healing powers to you and your warriors? As you have said, and questioned in your own mind, my lord, I come to you with much knowledge and wisdom. I was chosen to help you on this journey to cast out all evil from the universe. This battle with the beetle was only a test of time and endurance to prepare us for what is to come. We will, and we must, travel far over treacherous terrain. We will encounter beings unknown to this world. We will, and we must, conquer all evil so that heaven and earth can meet and be in peace and harmony for all mankind. This is our mission from the universe and we will not fail, my lord. This I promise you!"

I have always known that my mission on earth was of great importance. I have many dreams and visions for what is to come. I pray for guidance and protection for us all.

Would you be so kind, my lord, as to share with me your dreams and visions?

Just at that questionable moment in time, Frogeye hopped over to Raphael and said, Do you mind if I go downstream for a moonlight dip? I am feeling exhausted and quite parched right now.

Of course you may, dear Frogeye. Just be careful, and always be on your guard.

Haniel heard the conversation and walked over to join in. I will go with him, Raphael. You know he always gets into some type of trouble, and we don’t need that right now.

Go as you must, Haniel. And, as always, be on your guard.

I am! I am! Will you ever stop worrying about me?

Enjoy the moonlight swim. And may the universe protect and guide you both.

Free at last. I can’t hop fast enough! Take me to the water. Take me to the river. Take me to the stream! Frogeye sang this verse with each hop and thought he needed a moonlight dip vacation for rejuvenation.

Haniel cried out to Frogeye, Wait up, will ya! I can’t go that fast right now! I am also exhausted and in need of a swim.

Here we go again with her drama. She behaves like such a princess, Frogeye thought. Frogeye looked up and marveled at the big, round, bright-white light from the full moon. It lit up the entire sky and the night. What else could a frog ask for? he wondered. This was such moonlight bliss! The stream looked like paradise, and Frogeye couldn’t wait to jump in. The water flowed over the rocks, with splashes of white light glistening and twinkling downstream like stars in the sky.

Haniel caught up to Frogeye and said, What are you waiting for? Let’s go! Let’s jump in!

Are you jumping in with your armor on?

Of course not! Just hop around and give me some privacy so I can get changed.

Ribbit that, said Frogeye, and into the stream he plopped, belly up. How did you like that splash?

Haniel quickly removed her headdress, boots, and dress of armor, leaving only her undergarments on. Okay, Frogeye, here I come. Haniel jumped in and shouted, This water is cold, Frogeye! Why didn’t you warn me?

Amphibians don’t feel the cold, Haniel. Didn’t you learn that in your science class? We are cold-blooded creatures.

If I wanted a lecture, I would let you know, Frogeye! Let’s just enjoy the moonlight swim.

Oh, Haniel, you just croak me up! Frogeye swam to the nearest lily pad and wiggled his way on top of it. Now that’s much better. All I need is a good, cold drink and I will be in seventh heaven. This moonlight is to dive for.

What are you rambling on about over there, Frogeye?

Oh, nothing, just some long overdue frog lingo. It helps calm my webs.

He is one strange frog that I get stuck babysitting, she thought.

Frogeye fidgeted and wiggled some more on the pad until he felt completely comfortable. He was laying on his back with his arms supporting his head and his legs crossed. The light of the moon felt like the light of the sun on his skin. Wonder if I’ll meet any frogs, he thought. That would be a nice change of hops. And, I could get rid of Haniel for a while. That’s the best part. Frogeye felt his pad sway a little and wondered what that was. He also felt a rippling sensation going down his back. Suddenly, the pad began to pick up speed and spin like a top. Hey, Haniel! What’s making my pad spin? Do you see anything?

Nope!

Are you sure? I feel like I’m in a whirlpool. I’m getting dizzy, Haniel!

You are always dizzy! Just relax, Frogeye. Just relax.

Haniel suddenly felt something brush up against her left leg. What was that? she wondered. Now this frog has me feeling things. Ugh, she sighed. Haniel glanced downstream but did not see Frogeye. Here we go again, she thought. Frogeye! Haniel shouted. I am not in the mood for fun and games! Haniel didn’t hear a croak or ribbet. Just complete, eerie silence. She decided to swim downstream and look for Frogeye. She spotted him in the distance and shouted, Frogeye, are you for real? Would you look at this frog? He’s passed out on the pad. OMG! This frog is a hot mess! How much of this water did you have to drink, Frogeye? Maybe you did spin too much. Haniel began to shake Frogeye, shouting, Wake up, Frogeye, wake up! But Frogeye did