Tar Sands: The Golden Calf

By Hilda Cerclay

This short Science-Fiction novel is written as an incentive to us all to prove the alarming environmental situation of planet earth. The information is addressed to youngsters of our generation and the generations to come. Its meant to inform us all of the dire consequences besetting our planet and inviting us all to prove the findings of investigative journalists like Andrew Nikiforuk, David Susuki and many others who are issuing a dire warning to us all. The Book Global Warning by Paul Brown is a must read. Lets face our future and assume our responsibilities. Under the right to information, are we not entitled to retrieve complete access to articles like Cerea. Speaking with one voice, we can demand that the computer be not monitored.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 8, 2013
• ISBN: 9781475979756

Hilda Cerclay

Born in Mauritius on the 5th of February 1934. Fluently bilingual in French and English. Education: Cambridge school certificate. Teaching Certificate in 1956. Teaching teenagers for about 10 years. Moved to Dublin Ireland in 1965. Moved to Canada in 1969. Bachelor’s of Education U of S in 1982 (majoring in English and French). Taught as sessional conversational teacher at U of S. Adjudicator of teenage debaters at high school levels.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

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The fading glow of the setting sun was still hovering at the horizon. Night in the Valley of Shadows, as the place was known around here was fast approaching. The few pedestrians hurrying along the darkened streets conveyed a feeling of urgency; they all seemed to be rushing to the safety of familiar surroundings behind closed doors. That is, for all but one, time was pressing.

Zuss, a young boy of about fourteen years of age, was in no such hurry. As a matter of fact, he stood as if frozen in front of the tall grey wall he went by everyday with his mother. Nothing was different with the wall that night, except for the fact that the hour was getting late and the youngster stood as if transfixed by some inner sight only his sparkling eyes seemed to see. Zuss’ mother, sensing that her son was not in step with her, called out:

—Zuss, Where are you?You know we must be home soon!

The child did not move, but called back:

—Come, Mom, look here! Can’t you see the houses beyond the wall?—Don’t be silly, Zuss. Nobody can see through walls!

—‘Oh yes, we can! Can’t you see the houses glowing as if with a warm blue light from within? Just like ice castles at sunset! Aren’t they beautiful, Mom?

—Come on Zuss, you must have stayed too long in the sun. The mother’s voice grew panicky as she urged her son on.

—Oh! but look, hurry… ..

—Her voice trailed as a group of hooded figures appeared in the distance as if materializing out of thin air. With an air of helplessness, the mother held on tightly to her son’s hand. Silently, eerily, the hooded figures, heads invisible from inside their hoods glided by and disappeared, one after the other, through the heavy portal the mother knew existed but never noticed before. Both Zuss and his mother knew that according to the legend, there was in the wall, a forbidden portal no human was ever allowed to go through. It was said that inside the walled garden grew a luminous white flower, supposed to bring health, wisdom, joy and peace to anyone lucky enough to set eyes upon it:

Just the kind of gift his community desperately needed, thought Zuss.

And the youngster knew he had to make a go for it. Now was his only chance. With a sharp tug on his mother’s hand, Zuss yanked himself from his mother’s grasp and was gone in a flash. Not a minute too soon.

As he slipped in behind the last hooded figure, the heavy gate silently closed tight and vanished in the landscape. Once inside, Zuss was at a loss as to what his next move would be. The hooded figures were now seated erect at a table. Without a sound, two figures stepped forward and weighed their bony hands on Zuss’ shoulders.

—Stop!

The command was sharp but the voice was benevolent, and a white bearded man threw back his hood as he stood poised in front of the assembly.

—The Child has come! He has a message for us. We must hear him! Turning to the youngster, the old man smiled and softly said:

—What is your message child? You did not come here out of curiosity. Did you?

With the exuberance of his age, Zuss was his own self again.

—Oh no sir, I bring no message from anybody, but I’ve come to ask for your help. My family needs your help. My city needs your help. As a matter of fact, my father says that the whole world seems to need help. Please, won’t you help us? There is so much suffering out there. You can help us, can’t you?

—We can’t do it alone!

The figures around the table nodded in agreement.

—We sure would like to help you all, child, but we cannot do so without your cooperation. You see, you each have been given free will to make your choices in life, and we cannot impose our will on yours.

—Oh, I’m sure most people will be just too happy to do their share to set things right

—You mean there are enough of those who have not allowed themselves to grow selfish and who are not motivated by greed? Do you really think there are enough of these around to make a change?

—"I—I really don’t know, Sir, but I sure do hope so. And if you give