Michael Liddle: Rise of the N'uru

By R. D. Blake

Michael Liddle and Alowyn face more than one set-back in their quest to find the Ideema Gift. It appears that no matter what they discover, the real truth seems to be something else entirely. They had located the Bastion, which had led them to another world where the trail of the Gift was picked up once more, but the clues uncovered there pointed them back to Earth. But where is the Gift? The means to find it fail and Michael believes the search is now hopeless. Despite these difficulties, there are more — for the princess herself eventually disappears and Michael, despite his growing powers, cannot find her. Now he is facing two desperate searches.

Before all of that happens, Michael and the princess encounter several new mysteries. First with the Nomi, the tiny, fairylike creatures who live on the same planets as the princess’ own people. There is a new Ideema prophecy which appears to link these small pixie-like creatures and the second Uhala together. And the prophecy adds a third name, possibly even a fourth one, to the Chosen and Cast-Out: The Lost and The Forsaken.

And a new warning is received: “Beware the N’uru,” an ancient Yeddura word meaning “Death.” Adding to this troubling message, the Elhadra have located Earth though Michael and Mr. Gooden are unaware of that fact and them.

Besides that danger, there are other difficulties just as close to home that Michael can’t escape. His mother is suspecting more and more that “something” is going on with him. Scott Watson, his former best friend, is still at odds with him, suspecting Michael of more lies and wrong-doings which Michael cannot prove otherwise if he wishes to hold onto his secrets. And the high hopes that Maddy Ellis has for the coming year — she finds them all dashed, including her growing feelings for Michael. Despite his best efforts to keep her at a distance and his own well-intentioned actions, she becomes caught up with him in his “other” life.

Beyond and through all of this, as this third book in the series comes to an end, Mr. Gooden discovers the truth about them all and this promises to change everything

• Language: English
• Publisher: R. D. Blake
• Release date: Apr 18, 2016
• ISBN: 9780987982643

R. D. Blake

R.D. Blake recently retired from a successful accounting and business career. Even as a child, he had an interest in science in general and space in particular and loved reading science fiction. As a parent, he enjoyed entertaining his young children with inane and wild stories he would make up on the spot. And now he is turning that interest and talent toward a larger audience. He currently resides in Kitchener, Ontario Canada.

Book preview

Michael Liddle:

RISE OF THE N’URU

R.D. BLAKE

imotifbooks

Kitchener, Ontario Canada

All rights reserved; no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher.

First published in Canada in 2015

imotifbooks, 39 Askin Place, Kitchener, Ontario N2A 1K9

www.imotifbooks.com

Copyright © R.D. Blake

Cover illustrations by Greg Hoekstra copyright © imotifbooks.

Michael Liddle, names, characters, and related indicia are copyright and trademark imotifbooks.

R.D. Blake has asserted his moral rights.

Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication

R.D. Blake

Michael Liddle: Rise of the N’uru

ISBN: 978-0-9879826-4-3

¹. Title

CONTENTS

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty One

Chapter Twenty Two

Chapter Twenty Three

Chapter Twenty Four

Chapter Twenty Five

Chapter Twenty Six

Chapter Twenty Seven

Epilogue

Glossary

About the Author

CHAPTER ONE

Alibi

Mu timbra, ly a podril, y ludifyl, a a yal eloda

Te ela ylo, ly ela ylo turyndifal, a a yal fada

Mu a pody, y luandifyl a a yala vasa

A a yal luandifyl, Tarasapa

Te de a tinucri, ly e a podril, a a yal enlapa

Mu ela ylo, ly ela ylo, timbra, luandifyl agrada

Mu ly ela ylo facodol, a a yala vasa

A a yal luandifyl Solajapa

Michael stretched out on the sand with his eyes closed, listening to the sweet sounds of Alowyn’s voice as she sang an old Tylani folk song: the tune, a playful counterpoint to the tinkling melody of the Bell Falls. Opposite them, rainbow-hued curtains of mist rose from the waters pouring gently down the sides of the great cliffs. Tiny cascades threaded their way from outcrop to outcrop, made in such a way tens, or perhaps, hundreds of millennia ago, to produce a delicate chorus echoing softly about the sides of the pool. Michael hadn’t troubled himself to adjust his sumavel so he could understand the high Tylani language Alowyn was using, deciding to simply enjoy the cadence of the words as she sang them.

Alowyn finished not long afterwards, brushing her hand gently across his bare chest. Michael opened his eyes, pushing himself up into a sitting position. Did my lullaby put you to sleep, Michaeliddle?

No, but this place and you make me think I’m having a dream. It’s almost too beautiful to be real.

I hope you include me when you say that, she answered, drawing her lips into a light smile.

Earlier this morning, Michael had portalled with her to this wonder hidden in among the rugged bluffs constituting this part of the southern continent on the world of Tiana. They’d spent the day baking in the sand, waiting until they felt their skin sizzling—then racing down to cool off in the blue, crystalline ocean waters. Alowyn would stroke out, diving deep below the surface to pick up caraquarl from the bottom: textured and scarlet-striated shells of a rare marine organism. He thought the princess more fish than Tylani, amazed at how long she could remain underwater.

In contrast, Michael had contented himself with dog-paddling near the shoreline though that hadn’t prevented Alowyn from trying to sneak up on him and pull him under with her. But the translucent waters had betrayed her every time and had only resulted in a battle commencing. They would attempt to out-splash each other, with neither one willing to be the first to surrender. Eventually, they’d both tire of the game, ending the contest with a burst of laughter while sitting knee deep in the shallower water. Sometimes kissing. Sometimes not.

Then they’d retreat to stretch out on their towels and allow the sun to warm them, listening again with renewed interest to the chiming of the waterfalls while watching clouds of Nomi dart and swirl over the surface of the ocean out in the bay. Others of the tiny creatures would rise over the face of the Falls, later choosing to return, swooping down through the upper reaches of the jungle encompassing the two of them and the pool. Though he asked, Alowyn could not say with any certainty who had altered or built the waterfalls. The music of the descending waters never remained the same. Even the smallest change in its flow caused it to find new pathways down from the precipice. The result was a melody which constantly altered and never repeated itself.

It is time for us to return, Michaeliddle, or you will be late to meet with your mother, Alowyn reminded him.

I guess you’re right, but I could stay here forever, Michael replied. These last two weeks have been the best in my entire life!

The princess drew closer, embracing and then kissing him lightly. As is true for me. I wish it could always be this way, she murmured, rubbing his nose with her own.

Michael untangled himself from her arms and levered himself upright. Yep, it would be great if every day could be like this one. More than great but, yep, we both better get a move on and head home. Your parents don’t know you’re here either. A frown creased his forehead. Though I don’t quite understand why you didn’t tell them. I mean you cleared everything up with them. They’re OK now with what happened in the Bastion and on B’arnith. Right?

Yes…yes, of course, but since I am abiding by their wishes and agreed not to pursue the Ideema Gift on my own or with you, there is no need, Alowyn replied, though she had turned away from him to face the ocean. However, that is not true of them. More than ever, they are preoccupied with the Ideema prophecy. And recently, there have been odd sightings at the edges of our empire and many, including my parents, fear it is the Elhadra again.

That said, they both went their separate ways, heading toward a line of booths where they could change back into their regular clothes. While he did so, Michael thought back over the past two weeks. He had travelled to see Alowyn every day since school had ended, waiting until his mother left for work each morning. Because he could portal them anywhere, Alowyn had shown him many of the marvels on her world. On their first day together, they had journeyed to the other side of the planet and studied the night sky. Alowyn had pointed out and named many of the stars and the constellations: patterns woven out of the heavens above them. And with each, she told him a mythical story out of her own people’s past. Later, they had watched the moon, Tarcu, race across the sky, and afterwards seen slow Ellena rise majestically in the east.

A few days later, she’d had him take them to the Kyl Tar Cprul, a Tylani village that was erected upon and within a vast network of gigantic trees which matched the height and girth of the one that the enigmatic Espoirtyl had built his treehouse under. It was all of what Michael had read of elvish dwellings, and it made him wonder anew about the possibility of the Tylani constructing such edifices when they had visited Earth tens of thousands of years ago before their Great Migration. Perhaps humans living in those distant times had come across them and their lingering memories of them had formed the foundation underlying Earth’s own legends and myths.

With them both disguised, Alowyn had led him into a series of great halls carved within the living trunks of the mammoth boles. Later, they had followed the sinuous paths of their roots to finally stand at the base of a great underground waterfall and marvel at its turbulent grandeur. Lastly, they had climbed to stand (somewhat precariously in Michael’s mind) upon one of the swinging bridges hung between the great limbs of the trees. From that high vantage, they had cast their eyes out to behold a dappling green vista spreading out far below them.

There were only a special few of these built after my people arrived here, Michaeliddle, Alowyn had duly informed him. Only Tiana has more than one, and we deem them precious, for they hearken back to our former worlds, the ones we abandoned during the Great Migration.

Then a week ago, they had portalled into the lofty and serrated mountains which arched along the spine of Tivelyl’s continent. There, hand in hand, they had walked through the ice palaces of the fells of the Dy Feldorols, both of them mesmerized by the pulsing and variegated hues of silver, gold, ruby, and sapphire sparkling within their crystalline structures. Afterwards, for several hours, they had sped down the long snow-covered slopes riding together on a sled. Cold and wet, shivering (at least Michael had been), they had returned to Alowyn’s quarters. Unknown to her, he had stashed away a snowball, just waiting for his chance.

When Jordy had finally wandered into her room, Michael had thrown it as hard as he could—falling over as a consequence. But he had hardly minded when the sabre-toothed tiger roared out in surprise. The big cat had scampered out of Alowyn’s bedroom in the aftermath. Michael had laughed and laughed, rolling about on the floor. However, the princess hadn’t thought it funny at all, scolding him for being so mean, warning him he’d receive no pity from her if Jordy found some way to have revenge on him.

And just a few days ago, they had travelled to the garden glens of Hylaurenlal where among the many things they did there, Alowyn weaved wild flowers into two crowns, placing them on each of their heads and playfully decreeing each other as king and queen of Tiana. Afterwards, they had made a game out of chasing each other through the windswept fields. Laughing at their own childish silliness, they had fallen together into the tall, soft grasses. It was while they were resting, their eyes upward gazing at the tuffs of clouds floating across the purple-tinted skies that Alowyn broached the subject of his left leg. Would he consider having it repaired by the Varshti: the Tylani caste of healers? Though reflecting on the question for several minutes, and noting, too, how serious Alowyn was about it, Michael still decided against it. How would he ever explain it to his mother and friends back home on Earth without disclosing the truth about himself?

And just yesterday, the princess had taken him to watch a game of Sharquon. For that, she had insisted they both go in disguise again. She’d had him put on a hat to cover his ears while she had garbed herself in garments which belied her royal position and further donned a wig to hide her luxuriant hair. He found this version of the game similar to the one the Yeddura played, the main differences being a greater number of players and a larger playing field. The Tylani used flying boards as did the Yeddura, but theirs were much smaller, about the size of skateboards. And the Tylani players were far more acrobatic; the game was faster as a result—so swift that he’d had trouble following all of the action. Body checking the opposing players wasn’t allowed, Alowyn explained, but there were more Dolo balls in play which could temporarily paralyze a player. All in all, he had concluded that it was just as exciting to watch.

Finished dressing, Michael returned to the pool in front of the Falls to wait for Alowyn. She joined him shortly afterwards, having changed from her one-piece bathing suit into her usual regal garments and having braided her hair into one long rope which fell to hang below her waist. She came up to him taking his hand as he opened a portal, and they stepped through into her bedroom.

You are certain you cannot return here until after another two days? she asked.

Nope, tomorrow is the start of the weekend and my mom will be home the entire time, Michael explained for what he thought was the third time that day. I can’t be away while she’s in the house. I’ll call you using the sumavel each night when I’m sure I’m alone.

Then I will just have to wait, Alowyn replied with a sigh. I suppose it is for the best. I have set aside the chief part of my studies since we have been together, and I have few excuses left to give to my tutors. She kissed him lightly. But I will hold you to your promise to call me, she added, making use of the imperial tone Michael knew only too well.

Yep, for sure, he agreed. And I need to talk to Mr. Gooden. I imagine he must almost be through studying the S’dyn. Once he is, then we can release it to search for the Ideema Gift. I’ll let you know what he tells me.

Yes, the Gift may be the only thing which will save my people. I hope it will not be much longer. My father is counting on it.

We all are. Well, it’s time to go, Michael said, opening a portal back to Earth. After stepping through, he turned about to find Alowyn still watching him. She nodded once and he took that as his cue, closing the portal circle.

Afterwards, he looked about his room. It had grown so familiar over the last two years since he and his mother had moved to Cantonville—as if he had never lived anywhere else. Yet, now, today, at this moment, it contained a strange sense of make-believe—like a world he just visited now and then. Even school seemed to be a distant memory. Michael went over to his desk and emptied his pockets of the caraquarl the princess had given him, stowing them away in a small box of mementos he kept in his desk. There was a growing number of them: a small piece of the garland of flowers Alowyn had weaved when she’d crowned him, the ticket stub from the Sharquon game, and a vial of ice-water from the mountains.

Michael took out the comdisc from his desk and passed by the window as he limped over to his bed to sit down. Casually glancing outside, he noticed his mother’s car out in the driveway. When he finally realized what that meant, he tripped over his feet, missing his bed entirely, and landed hard on the floor. She isn’t supposed to be home for another hour! Michael rushed downstairs but couldn’t find her or Bones anywhere in the house. He staggered out through the front door and was out on the driveway when he saw her down near the end of the street with Bones in the lead. She hadn’t seen him yet but the setter sure had; the dog was pulling mightily at his leash, dragging his mother along.

Michael! I was worried about you, she remarked when she arrived beside him. I came home early and I couldn’t find you anywhere. I called our neighbours and a few of your friends, but no one knew where you were.

Meanwhile, Bones was jumping up on him, trying desperately to lick his face. Michael took a few moments to calm the setter down, all the while trying to think fast. He’d been half-dreading that this might happen while he was away but, stupidly, he hadn’t bothered to prepare any plausible explanations.

Uh, I’ve been out for most of the day. I just got home too, he finally supplied as his answer. Sorry, Mom. When I left the house I didn’t think I’d be gone all that long.

You didn’t leave me a note. You’ve always done that before. So where were you?

Um, I…I, uh, I just walked around the town…and…and spent a few hours at the library. Stuff like that.

All right. Well, let’s go inside. It certainly looks like you’ve been out in the sun today. Bones is thirsty and you can help me with dinner.

After Bones was watered and, of course, fed, his mother had him chop up a variety of vegetables for a stir-fry she wanted to serve as their main course. At some point during that task, she came up behind him and noted, You have sand behind your ears. And as she brushed the back of his head added, And in your hair too. How did that happen?

Alarms rang so loudly in Michael’s head and his heart began hammering so hard, he was certain his mother could hear them too. He was caught! And when it came to lying, he was no genius.

Uh…I went to…oh yeah, I went to McCarver’s Quarry and…and played on the beach there. Um, I read one of the books I took out of the library.

But the quarry’s not even in town, and it’s on the other side of Cantonville from us, his mother countered. How could you have walked all the way over there and been back here by now?

She moved to stand right in front of him, eyeing him with growing disbelief.

Oh…yeah, right, I ran into Maria and her mother drove us over there and—

Michael! his mother cut in. Maria was one of your friends that I called. She said she hadn’t seen you all day.

The heat of her hardening stare beating down on him made Michael begin to break out in a sweat.

What? Did…did I say Maria? I meant…um, Abigail. Abigail Bruder. You know, one of the girls in the same class as me over the last two years.

Meanwhile, he was silently praying that his mother hadn’t called Abigail.

His mother’s stoic regard of him didn’t lessen: a stony expression was crowding out any of its usual softness. Michael, honestly, I’m having trouble believing you right now. You can tell me the truth. Are you certain you want to stick by this story?

He almost felt sick to his stomach. He hated lying to his mother—really anyone—but he didn’t even know how to begin to tell her where he’d really been all day, let alone what he’d discovered about himself over the last two years.

I’m sorry, Mom. It’s…it’s really what I did today. Maybe, maybe I’m just confused by being out in the sun so much. And…and I’m feeling kind of tired. I guess I’m not thinking all that straight right now.

His mother continued to study him—for far too long. Michael felt his defences beginning to crumble, but she let up abruptly, going to set the table and finish the rest of the meal, speaking to him in strained tones while her back was toward him. I think you’re not telling me everything. We’re a family. We’re not supposed to keep secrets from each other. A long pause followed. You better have a shower after dinner to get rid of that sand. You don’t want to sleep in a bed full of it.

Those were her last words to him until much later in the evening. It was definitely not the kind of ending Michael would have wished for after such an incredible week.

_______§_______

Later that night after Michael had gone up to his bedroom, he contacted Mr. Gooden using his comdisc, asking the teacher when the S’dyn would be launched. Six weeks had passed since they’d found it and the T’chon power system on the Yeddura planet of B’arnith. His androidlike mentor had been studying the two devices over all of that time—and much more intensely once Michael had portalled him to the second sanctuary hidden within the Yellowstone National Park. The teacher had been there working alongside the Guardian since school had ended.

Michael hoped Mr. Gooden was finally finished—that the devices could at long last be used to find what the Ideema giants called their Gift. Whatever the Gift actually was, it had been stolen and then hidden on Earth more than seventy-five thousand years ago by a Yeddura named A’byrtel. Each day which passed by without launching the devices had only added to Michael’s frustration. He knew the Gift was some kind of weapon which the giants wanted the Tylani to use against the Elhadra. What it was or would do, the Ideema hadn’t explained.

The teacher’s image came into view above him, and after exchanging greetings, Mr. Gooden said, "Yes, we are near the end of our study of the two devices. It has proved to be no easy task, for we have discovered that much of the technology used in the S’dyn and the T’chon is beyond anything Earth possesses or we have here. But we are almost done…there are only a few more tests to perform.

Currently, we are attempting to gain a deeper understanding of the power systems in both of the devices. I’m hoping that what we might discover will be of help to us in case the Elhadra ever arrive here in Earth’s solar system. The Guardian has already suggested a few applications. Remember, that is one of the reasons I wanted to study them. Mr. Gooden smiled and then added, I would estimate within a week’s time we can proceed with their launch protocols. I know your patience has been taxed by these delays, but it is only a matter of a few more days.

OK. Great! I’ll tell Alowyn, Michael replied. She can pass that news onto her father. I can hardly imagine what a huge relief it will be when we can give him the Ideema Gift.

Fine. And I will keep you informed of our progress over the next week.

The teacher disconnected. Now Michael only had one other call to make. Maria’s face was soon displayed in the air in front of him.

Hi Michael. Hey! Your mother called me earlier today looking for you. I had an idea where you might be, si? But I didn’t think telling her you were in another part of the galaxy would ease her mind. Maria laughed at her own joke but that quickly ended. Que? I was just kidding. You aren’t smiling. Did something happen?

Yeah, you might say that, Michael replied, grimacing. Mom arrived home earlier than I expected, and I wasn’t back from seeing Alowyn. When she asked me where I’d been I told her that I’d been with you.

Oh! And she knew you weren’t, Maria interjected, putting two and two together quickly. There was a reason she was one of the brightest kids at the junior high. So what did you tell her after that?

Michael ran his fingers through his hair, almost—almost tugging on it. I told her that I’d run into Abigail Bruder and that she invited me to McCarver’s Quarry for the afternoon.

Abigail! Maria shook her head in disbelief. What were you thinking? She’s the last person I’d use as an alibi. Besides, you two have hardly had anything to do with each other over the last year…and you know what she’s like!

I know, I know, I admit it. It wasn’t one of my better ideas, saying I was with the school gossip queen, Michael confessed. But I had to think fast. At least my mom hardly knows anything about her…or her family. But I need to call Abigail tomorrow and ask her to cover for me. I think Mom’s not buying my explanation, and I’m afraid she’ll call Abigail and then I’ll really be in trouble. You know Abigail better than I do. What should I say to her?

I wish I knew, Maria replied, pursing her lips in thought. She might not be willing to help you out. And whether she does or not, you’re going to make her awfully curious about what you’re covering up. Abigail’s not known for keeping secrets…she’s better at spreading them around!

Michael couldn’t help himself and tugged at his hair, and hard! Then what am I supposed to do?

"Hmm, let me think about that over night, Maria answered, tapping the end of her finger against her lips. Maybe there’s a story we can make up that she’ll believe. But let’s face it, we’re going to have to tell our parents about us. We can’t keep this a secret forever. And…and I have to tell Scott…and soon! It’s keeping us apart!"

I more than get it, Michael replied sheepishly. I’ve thought about it for over a year and a half now, and I still haven’t come up with a way to tell my mom. I’ve been thinking once the Search is over, I’d tell her. Maybe both of us should. The Tylani will be safe and the Elhadra won’t be a danger anymore.

OK. Listen, speaking of parents, I can hear my momma calling for me, Maria said. I have to go. Call me in the morning. Maybe I’ll have some ideas by then. Bye.

Maria clicked off and her image disappeared. At almost that exact same moment, there was a quick set of raps on his bedroom door. Michael, can I come in?

Um sure, just a moment, Mom, he replied, quickly shoving the comdisc into his pants pocket.

He went to the door and opened it.

He found his mother standing impatiently in front of him. I thought I heard voices in your room. A girl’s voice.

Michael did his best to look blankly up at his mother, all while trying to keep a lid on his rising sense of panic. Oh…um, yeah, I guess I had my radio on. I…I just turned it off.

But I heard your voice too.

His eyes flickered away from his mother, looking wildly back into his room. I…I was singing along, and I don’t know…maybe talking to myself. I really wasn’t paying much attention to what I was doing.

When he glanced up at his mother, she was regarding him with just as much suspicion as before dinner. She surveyed his room from above his head, almost as if she believed there was a girl hiding in one of its corners or under his bed. Then she took a deep breath, letting her features soften slightly. OK. Sorry. It’s been a long week for me, and there were a lot of problems to solve at work today. And I’m feeling tired too. So maybe I’m just taking it out on you. Sorry.

Once Michael closed his bedroom door he leaned up against it, letting out a groan of relief. This was growing to be too much, keeping everything a secret. He stored away the comdisc and changed into his pyjamas, readying himself for bed. But before turning out his light, he took out his camera from his backpack. In rummaging through it, he’d discovered that he’d forgotten to hang his wet bathing suit and towel over his chair. Maybe that had been a good thing, considering how his mother had been checking out his room.

He snuggled under his blankets and began scrolling through the pictures stored on his camera. He’d taken it along every day since he’d begun visiting Alowyn. She had been amused by what she described as its primitive technology. However, despite that criticism, she’d snapped as many pictures as he had. Looking back through them gave him a warm feeling, and he took a long time studying the ones he’d taken today. There was one of Alowyn just coming out of the water with her hair slicked back behind her, and another that she’d taken of him building a sand castle. But the best one of all was the one with their faces crammed together looking down cross–eyed at two Nomi who had landed on their noses. Setting the camera on his bedside table, Michael turned out his light. As he drifted off to sleep, images of Alowyn began to swim in and out of his mind.

_______§_______

Rising early the next morning, Michael fed Bones, took him for a short walk, and returned with time enough to spare to make breakfast for his mother, his way of trying to make amends for having lied to her. She acknowledged his thoughtfulness with a slight smile, giving him some hope that yesterday’s tiff might be forgiven and forgotten. By mid-morning, after his mother had left to run some errands, Michael took his chance to contact Maria again. She’d come up with a plan of sorts, though she admitted she wasn’t certain if he’d like it. Michael pressed her to tell him, but she insisted that he come over to her place so she could explain it to him face to face. That made him begin to wonder just what her idea might involve.

Once outside in her backyard, Maria explained. Maybe this isn’t the greatest idea I’ve ever had, especially with how things are with Scott right now, but it’s the only one I think might make Abigail go along with it. She took a deep breath, gripping his arm. I think we should tell her that we spent yesterday together. That we were at the quarry but we snuck up to Smith’s Falls afterwards, and we didn’t want our parents to know or Scott—

But that’s where all the—

I know that’s what we all think, Maria agreed, cutting off his protest. But a few months ago, I was over at Keith Forest’s. We were comparing study notes. He was telling me more about Cantonville and eventually he started in on those rumours about the Falls…about the things that you and most of our classmates believe are real. But his two older brothers overheard us and told us that those stories about the Falls aren’t true at all. Maria paused for a moment, breaking into a grin. Boy, did they make fun of Keith, telling him only an idiot would believe a story like that. That sure had him riled up!

Maria burst out into laughter, holding onto her two sides. Believe me, you don’t ever want to meet up with an angry Keith Forest. He’s nothing like we imagine when he’s hot under the collar. You’d almost think he was Spanish. It was too funny! But she sobered quickly with her following words. Anyway, something did happen up there years ago…but according to his brothers, it was blown all out of proportion and, ever since, the story we’ve all been told has been built on that. And Michael? I’ve been up there with my family. It’s just an old and dilapidated former industrial site. All that’s left of the old mill is the foundation. And the Falls? There’s nothing special about them. I can’t see how what we’ve both heard about the place could have really happened up there.

But that’s not what everyone at the junior high believes! Michael argued back. Abigail will think—

Si, that’s exactly my point. It has to be something…some place…we all know we’re not supposed to be checking out on our own. Something that she’ll want to keep secret…and be part of. Otherwise, whatever you come up with will just make her all that more curious and that might make everything worse if she starts talking.

I’m not so sure, Maria, Michael voiced doubtfully. This could make even more trouble for you. What if Abigail tells Scott?

I know, she admitted, her lips drawing into a tight line. But Abigail won’t help you if you just ask her without giving her a good reason.

Michael looked upwards, surveying the cloudless sky, attempting to find an answer up there to his dilemma. Maybe I shouldn’t bother. Maybe I’m reading my mother all wrong. Maybe she’s not even thinking of calling her.

Si, it’s your decision to make, Maria agreed. But I can’t think of any other way. Besides, most of the kids in our class already believe we’re together. I mean after the dance. It shouldn’t be that much of a surprise to Abigail. Not really.

Michael dropped his eyes to regard hers. OK, give me a few minutes to think it over.

He sat down on the grass, pondering for longer than that, but he couldn’t come up with any other plausible explanations that might convince Abigail to cover for him. But did he risk involving her in all of his lies? Was there really any chance of his mother finding out that he hadn’t been with Abigail?

Finally, reluctantly, he said, OK, let’s do it. Call Abigail and find out if we can meet with her later today.

_______§_______

They were all sitting out on the steps of Abigail’s front porch.

So it’s true, she was saying coyly, her eyes shrewdly scrutinizing the two of them, despite how much both of you have been denying it to everyone. I would never have imagined either of you as the types to sneak around. The diminutive girl smiled mischievously, obviously enjoying being included in on their secret. Just to let you know, when I was dancing with Scott, he kept telling me what a bunch of liars you two are. No offence, but that’s what he was saying. I guess, in a way, he was kind of right.

Michael noticed Maria’s lips beginning to quiver. However, after a hard swallow, she regained control of herself. He exchanged a look with her and Maria figured out what he wanted her to do next: to assume the larger role in their subterfuge.

Si…yes, we’re together, but we don’t want our parents to know about it, especially my papa, and we need your help…

By the time she was done explaining, Abigail was completely taken in by Maria’s story.

Actually, I’m more than just a little jealous. Sneaking around, fooling everyone seems like my kind of fun. Abigail shook her head, her long brown hair bouncing about her shoulders. But none of the boys are interested in me…not the way you two obviously are in each other.

Michael tried to maintain a straight face, working hard to keep his eyes from rolling. He knew there wasn’t anyone at the junior high who was willing to risk having the details of their personal lives spread throughout the entire school if they hooked up with Abigail. She was cute enough in a pixyish way, but her reputation was far too much for any boy to take a chance on her.

Abigail continued, missing the put-on blank face Michael was trying to achieve. Thanks for letting me in on all of this. I promise I won’t say a word to anyone…for sure, not your parents. So… the girl drawled out. What are you two planning on doing today?

Obviously, she was fishing about for another tidbit to savour.

Um, nothing much. We both have things to do at home, Michael pitched in, adding in a shrug for effect. You’ll let us know if our parents call you?

Abigail’s lips slowly quirked into a knowing smile, giving them both a single firm and silent nod.

_______§_______

As they walked back to Maria’s house, Michael said, Thanks. I still don’t know if this is a smart idea. A lot of things will go wrong if Abigail doesn’t keep it a secret. He paused and mulled over a new thought. I guess we can always tell everyone that we broke up later.

Si, I suppose, though I’m not sure how I should feel about being your girlfriend for only a few minutes, Maria replied, turning and giving him a twisted smile.

But you’ll always be my friend. Count on that. And you’ve certainly been one today. Thanks.

As they were arriving in front of her house, Michael remembered his latest conversation with Mr. Gooden. He told me the probe will be launched soon. Likely by the end of next week.

Bien! That will be more than just good. I’ve never met these Elhadra, but I hope finding this Gift will be easier than what we went through on B’arnith. A shiver involuntarily went through her. And nothing like that Bastion! I’m still having bad dreams about those Onglers. I just want this over with so I can concentrate on more important things…like Scott! I tell you, it wasn’t easy listening to Abigail. There’s been so many times I’ve just wanted to go over to his place and tell him everything. It seems all I do is think about him. Every day. Every hour

Maybe you need something else to do…to fill in the time. Michael mulled over an idea he’d had earlier on their way over to Abigail’s. Why don’t you come with me to Tiana next week? You can hang out with Alowyn and me. Believe me, we’ve had such a blast since school’s been out. You’ll enjoy it, guaranteed.

Maria appeared intrigued for a moment, a smile lifting her lips, but it disappeared quickly enough. Do you think Alowyn would really want me along? I mean I still don’t know if she really likes me.

Michael remembered how coldly and ill-temperately Alowyn had treated Maria during those first few days in the Bastion. He attempted to sound reassuring. I think she’s over that misunderstanding she had about the two of us. Once we were on B’arnith, both of you were co-operating with each other and a big part of our team. Remember?

I guess so, Maria tentatively agreed. She took a light breath. It seems everyone misunderstands you and me. Alowyn, Scott…now Abigail. Being an extraterrestrial with powers isn’t everything it’s cracked up to be. We seem to have more problems than most kids our age. But it would be nice to see Tiana again. I hope there are better places there than just that Bastion.

Count on it. I’ve been to some of them, Michael replied. I’ll call Alowyn tonight and see what she can plan for the three of us. I’ll let you know later.

Perfecto. All right. Well, my momma has a list of things I’m supposed to do around the house today. She won’t be happy if I don’t start soon. See you later.

Michael gave her hand a quick squeeze and then headed on toward Cherry Avenue. There was a list of chores waiting for him at home too.

_______§_______

He was nearing Cedarwood where it intersected with David when he ran into Maddy and Jacqueline, and the two girls weren’t alone. Maddy was pushing a baby carriage.

Hi. What are you two up to?

We’re looking after Olivia Grace, Mrs. Abernathy’s baby, for a few hours. She dropped her off at my place earlier today, Maddy explained. We’re taking her out for a walk since it’s so nice out. Want to take a look at her? She’s beautiful!

Maddy was smiling broadly at him, her white teeth glinting brightly in the full sunshine.

Michael shrugged his shoulders. OK, sure, I guess.

He still couldn’t understand what the big deal was with babies. It wasn’t like you could do anything with them. They just sat like lumps, propped up in their baby seats, eating, sleeping and, more often than not, crying. Jacqueline and Maddy pulled back the screen they had over the buggy, staring at him with the obvious expectation of him coming up with some sort of wonderful comment about the baby. Leaning over, he took a good look at Olivia Grace who was so bundled up all he could see of her were her face and hands. She had a soother in her mouth, working it hard—at least she wasn’t making any loud squawking noises. Michael studied her and she studied him, but it seemed the baby became bored soon enough and began watching her own hands move about. Michael felt he was done, too, and straightened up.

When he couldn’t find any words, mostly because he didn’t have any, Jacqueline finally grew weary of waiting. Don’t you think she’s the loveliest baby you’ve ever seen?

He was still feeling guilty about having lied to his mother the night before, and then only a short while ago to Abigail. He wasn’t in the mood to be dishonest again. He pursed his lips, finally coming up with: I don’t know. I mean she doesn’t have much hair and don’t you think she’s a bit chubby?

Those honest comments only resulted in Jacqueline berating him even further. Really, Michael! she said, hiding none of her incredulousness. Just look at her. She’s simply adorable. That perfect little nose, those bluest of blue eyes, and her skin is so smooth. I think she’s simply outstanding…top notch!

Maddy nodded her head in agreement, still giving him that brilliant smile. Having made their point, the two girls covered up their precious little charge again.

As they made ready to leave, Maddy asked, it seemed shyly, Um…Michael, are you going to keep your promise to me? You haven’t forgotten, have you?

Uh, no…not exactly, he replied, needing once again to think fast, trying to remember. Finally, it came back to him. Oh! About seeing you sometime? School’s only been out for a few weeks. I…I figured you’d be busy with your soccer camp. So, um, how’s that been going?

That brilliant smile of Maddy’s vanished like sunshine behind a cloud. Good…good, I guess. She glanced quickly at Jacqueline. Uh, we should be taking Olivia Grace back to my place, don’t you think?. She’s supposed to have a bottle soon and we should see if she needs to be changed.

They walked away without another word, leaving Michael with the distinct impression that there’d been an entire other conversation going on with that final exchange of looks between the two girls. One he didn’t understand. But what else was new?

_______§_______

CHAPTER TWO

Ylana and Baradryl

When Michael answered the phone in the early afternoon, he was surprised to discover it was Jacqueline Lawrence at the other end of the line. Why is she calling me? But it didn’t take her long to get to the point in typical English fashion.

Listen, Michael, I know I shouldn’t be asking but could you arrange to have a chat with Maddy? And it would be rather good of you if you could do it before the end of the weekend. She’s awfully keen to talk to you…very much so, to tell you the truth. Can you at least ring her up? And please don’t mention that I asked you to.

Michael yanked at his hair. Why? What does she need to talk to me about?

Oh, nothing and everything. Come on, Michael. You know Maddy. Just be a friend.

You’re being very mysterious about all of this, Jacqueline, Michael replied, not hiding his exasperation.

Well, solve the mystery. Call her. Be a sport.

OK, all right, he replied, exhaling heavily, knowing full well that Jacqueline wasn’t going to let him off the hook until he agreed. I’ll call her.

Sometimes, he thought Maddy’s best friend portrayed all the characteristics of a British bulldog.

Splendid! Truly, I don’t think you’ll regret it. Bye.

Finally, mercifully, she hung up. Michael did, too, and then stared at the phone for close to another full minute. He knew he had promised Maddy that he’d dropped by her place over the summer. It had been a promise he thought he could keep later rather than sooner. He liked Maddy. And though he suspected what her intentions might be with him, he wasn’t completely certain about them, not with Keith Forest in the mix. Hadn’t they been through enough over the last year? To risk having her feelings crushed again seemed an act of cruelty and callousness. And he didn’t want to be that type of person. And though he knew his feelings about Maddy were a tangle net of moods and hopes, and frustrations and doubts, he was certain of two things. Right now he wanted to be with Alowyn even if nothing lasting could ever come of it. And since his breakup with Kate Robbins, he’d been thinking that he didn’t want to risk putting anyone else in danger in case the Elhadra found him or Maria.

Best get it over with, Michael muttered under his breath. Steeling himself, he picked up the phone again and called Maddy’s house. It was just his bad luck that Becky answered first. Hi, is Maddy there?

Who is it?

It’s Michael Liddle.

There was a long pause.

I told you to leave my sister alone! the younger girl growled out so loudly that Michael had to jerk the receiver away from his ear. I’m not going to let you talk to her!

There was a sharp click as Maddy’s sister hung up.

Michael looked at the phone in his hand for several moments, not quite believing what had just happened. Rather than trying to call again, he figured he’d just drop by the next day. He knew if Jacqueline found out he’d broken his promise, he’d only be on the receiving end of even more undeserved grief from the very English redhead.

_______§_______

Michael was out cutting the lawn: a job he’d put off for most of the week. Using their old push mower, he could work at his own pace, and since it was lighter than a powered model he could manoeuvre it easily enough despite his left leg. He had brought Bones out into the backyard, letting the setter sprawl out under the tree. The dog did his part watching Michael do all the work. Having managed to make two circles about the backyard, he had to stop when his mother called from the back door, The phone’s for you!

She smiled at him, sort of impishly, when he entered the kitchen. Who is it?

She didn’t provide him with an answer, just nodding toward the phone. He gave her a look but limped over and picked up the receiver.

Hello.

Michael, it’s Maddy! She sounded breathless. I just found out that Becky hung up on you earlier. Believe me, I’m so mad at her right now! Anyway, Daddy’s dealing with her. So…so why were you calling?

I…I guess I was feeling a little guilty about forgetting to see you. (It wasn’t really true, but what was one more lie after all of the others?) How about tomorrow afternoon? I’ll drop by your place.

Great! Michael easily heard her enthusiasm. I’ll wait for you on the porch. That way Becky can’t chase you away. Honestly, you’d think she’s my mother the way she thinks she has to look after me.

Yep, your sister’s definitely one of a kind, Michael replied, meaning it as a joke. OK, see you tomorrow. Bye.

Bye and thanks, Michael.

Maybe it was the phone or maybe not, but there seemed to be a strange timbre in her voice that left him with an uneasy feeling.

As he headed outside to deal with the lawn, his mother caught him at the back doorway. Well, what was that all about?

Mom, you know it was Maddy, Michael replied, his apprehension rising another notch. There’s nothing special about her calling me. Not anymore.

His mother let out a breathy sigh. I suppose I shouldn’t tease you about her. I just think she’s a nice girl, and it wouldn’t hurt either of you to be friends again even if that’s all that ever happens.

That seems to be what everyone thinks! Can’t I decide for myself? he asked, doing little to conceal the irritation in his voice.

Sorry. I wasn’t trying to push you to do anything. I like Madeline and I miss visiting with her, his mother candidly admitted.

Mom, I think you’re just looking for something to share with Aunt Sarah and Aunt Alice, he replied, trying to make up for his momentary anger. Ever since Kate broke up with me, you must be going through a tough time yourself, with there being nothing to tell them about me, he added, trying to be a little funny, hoping to avoid another argument. So far, today, things appeared to be back to normal between the two of them; they were able to tease and kid each other.

OK, point taken. As his mother left him to return to her own weekend cleaning, she fired off one last parting shot at him, a joke of her own, though not a particularly good one. That grass isn’t getting any shorter on its own, is it? It’s time you got back to it before it’s as long as your grandfather’s hayfield.

Michael finished cutting the lawn, building up a good sweat in the act of doing so, and thinking, as he stored the mower away, that a short walk with Bones might cool him off. The dog was still sprawled out on the lawn, keeping one eye on Michael and the other on a squirrel up in the tree. The bushy-tailed animal was hanging off one of its smaller branches, having busied itself over the last ten minutes or so scolding the two of them. Michael went inside with the setter in tow, first pouring himself out a big glass of lemonade, and while he was drinking it, watching Bones slosh a good deal out of his own water bowl.

I guess it was hot work watching me work, huh Boy?

Then he leashed the dog and they went out for a walk around the neighbourhood, down Cherry to Lastcombe and then in the direction of David. As he neared the point on the street where it met Simeon, he glanced down it. Memories of standing here so often with Kate wafted into his mind. Though he still felt sad at times about their breakup, he pondered anew on the reasons behind it. If Kate hadn’t actually discovered his secret, she must have been closing in on it. Even if she now seemed to know nothing about his abilities—who he really was—he couldn’t keep himself from wondering if their breakup had to do with her suspicions about him.

Since that had happened, Michael hadn’t been able to quite escape the prickly feeling that he was being watched. That whoever was behind his awakening from stasis, and of Maria and Mr. Gooden too, he or she or they were still observing the three of them and pulling invisible strings which none of them could detect. Bones gave a tug on his leash, yanking Michael away from his meandering thoughts. He commenced walking again. They soon reached David and turned to make a circuit. This would eventually return them to the far end of Cherry Avenue.

Continuing on at a slow pace, Michael mulled over the sudden interest that had developed between Tom Watson, Scott’s older brother, and Kate. Had that happened all on its own or had it been helped? Mr. Gooden said he didn’t believe it was possible, but Michael had lingering doubts about it.

Sighing out loud enough that Bones looked up at him, Michael decided that it really didn’t matter. Alowyn had already more than replaced Kate in his feelings. Kate had moved on, whether or not due to some outside influence. But he had too. Maybe that was best for everyone. All the same, what was niggling at him, as he saw his house coming into view down the street, was the feeling of being the sole cause of the chasm between Scott and Maria. Something had to be done about that. But what?

_______§_______

In the evening, up in his bedroom, Michael used his sumavel to contact Alowyn. He found her sitting on her bed, leaning back against Jordy, a huge pile of books scattered about her feet with one on her lap.

Michaeliddle! she exclaimed, tossing the book aside to join with the others. I have experienced such a terrible ordeal with my studies today and it is all your fault! She wagged her finger playfully at him. I find myself unable to concentrate properly, for all I do is think about you.

Same for me. Mostly.

I wish you to join me here. Come, if only for a few minutes.

I can’t! Michael burst out. My mother’s downstairs and I was almost caught when I returned home yesterday! I can’t risk it. Noting her vivid disappointment, he offered up another excuse. And besides, you have Jordy with you. He doesn’t like me at the best of times and after that snowball I threw at him, he’s likely out to kill me!

Oh, I would never permit Jordy to do that, even though you fully deserve it for being so nasty to him. Besides, by now he has forgotten all about it, the princess stated with regal certainty. Just look at him! He is sleeping so soundly, almost as if he is a little kitten again. He was just playing games with you on all those other occasions.

Think what you like, Alowyn, but I’m never going to trust him if you’re not with me in the same room, Michael retorted. It’s a good thing I can call up a portal shield now whenever I need one.

All right, I suppose we will not agree about my pet. But what else did you do today? I do not suppose you read any interesting books?

Uh, no, but I had to solve a few problems.

Michael went on to explain about his mother’s suspicions and how he and Maria had tried to solve them.

I question if you have acted wisely or not. Now you have someone else involved. Can you really trust this other girl from your school?

I’m not entirely sure, he admitted. To be honest, I’ve been wondering about it all day. But I made this mess myself, and Maria and I couldn’t think of another way to solve it. We’ll just have to see if it works, but things were good with Mom today. Maria and I figured we could just pretend to break up if any of our made-up story gets out.

What does this ‘break up’ mean? You don’t mean you hurt each other, do you?

It’s not so easy to explain, Michael replied, keeping a smile off his face. He mulled the term over for a moment before continuing, trying to make it as simple as possible for the princess. When boys and girls want to have a closer friendship, they become what we call a couple. I guess that word means they’re joined in a way.

Alowyn leaned forward toward his image, her interest piqued. I like that idea, Michaeliddle.

Well, yeah, and then if they no longer want to be together, they break up. The joining is broken.

Oh, I see. And on Earth they can join and break up without their parents or families saying anything about it?

There appeared to be something urgent in the manner Alowyn asked him for clarification.

Yep, that’s the way it works here…at least where I live.

I wish that could be true here, Alowyn said with a sigh. We are bound together based upon our parents’ wishes…even more so for someone like me. By degrees, a gloomy expression touched Alowyn’s face, and she glanced away for a moment, brushing at her eyes as if something was in them. But seeming to compose herself again, she added, But I like this idea of a…you said, a ‘couple.’ I would like to think we are joined in a fashion. Do you like it too, Michaeliddle?

Yeah…yep, actually I do. He smiled at her sumavel image. Like I said to you, these last two weeks have been the best ever. I’d always be with you if it could be like that all the time.

I, too. She exhaled quietly. I do not wish to be apart from you. I want you near me.

Soon, just another day and then Mom will be back at work. But that reminds me. I’d like to bring Maria along one day next week. She needs some cheering up. I thought a trip to see a part of Tiana might help. What do you think?

Of course. I like Mariadelcardez. Bring her along whatever day will suit her.

That agreed to, Michael turned to telling Alowyn about the work that Mr. Gooden was doing and the likelihood of launching the S’dyn within the next week. Can you tell your father and mother? Hopefully, once we can find the Ideema Gift, your father can use it to convince the Elhadra to abandon their invasion plans. Whether he actually orders it to be set off or just threatens to do so.

I will tell him tomorrow morning, she promised. He has tried to conceal it, but I can sense the pressure he is under. Just recently rumours have begun spreading of Tylani mysteriously disappearing, and my father is concerned that it is the Elhadra who are behind these incidents. If that is true, matters are far, far worse than any of us have imagined. And that means that we are all counting on you even more, Michaeliddle.

_______§_______

Michael took Bones along to visit with Maddy the following afternoon, both to give them something to do together, and if necessary, to act as a barrier. All morning he’d been pondering the possible subjects that might come up during their time together. In his imagination, there were far too many that made him apprehensive. As he walked with his dog up Cedarwood, he caught sight of Maddy. She was already out on the porch. She didn’t wait for him, instead coming down to join him on the sidewalk.

Hi, she said, greeting him warmly. Then she glanced back at the house. Michael followed her eyes and was uncertain if a face was peering out from behind the front window sheers. I thought it might be better if we were away from the house in case—

Michael finished her sentence for her. You know who finds out.

Maddy’s cheeks reddened.

I’m sorry about Becky. I didn’t tell her who I was seeing this afternoon, but I think she’s figured it out.

I get it. She doesn’t want to see you hurt. ‘Sisters sticking up for sisters,’ like you said to me earlier. I’m nothing but bad news.

Maddy nodded. I know she thinks she’s doing the right thing, but she doesn’t understand, does she?

Her dark eyes appealed to his with what Michael thought were dangerous implications.

I don’t know. He shrugged his shoulders, not wanting to commit himself to understanding anything. I brought Bones along. I thought we could go and sit in one of the parks near here and I guess…talk.

His unenthusiastic response caused Maddy to look uncertainly at him, but after a moment’s hesitation she went along with his suggestion. OK, sure. But let’s head over to the one on your street. I don’t want to go by our house, you know in case, Becky…

Sure. Let’s go.

Unknown to the two of them, once they had turned and headed in the direction of David, Maddy’s little sister came out on the porch and watched them, sporting the biggest, blackest scowl a nine-year old could ever bear upon her face.

_______§_______

At first, their conversation with each other was stunted, difficult. Michael tried to overcome that situation by asking Maddy how her vacation with her family had been and repeated his question from the day before about her soccer camps. She responded with several further details, but it seemed she was preoccupied with other thoughts. In the same vein, she took it upon herself to ask him what he’d been doing since school had finished. "Well, I can’t answer that one, can I?" Michael thought to himself. Saying that he’d been on another planet in another part of the galaxy and hanging out with an elflike princess whom he was coming to really like, and that they’d