The Unknown Lands of Magneta Book 1 Planet Of Troy The Journey of Amiel Sander

By DG Bonnie (pen name)

Amiel Sander, a sixteen-year old boy of Planet Troy, is in search of a mysterious Truth about his Army Prodigy Father who is missing. One day at the library, he finds some clues and an unfinished work of his Father. As he strives to resolve the unknown about his Father to restore their lost family pride, he wants to complete his unfinished work too, but his dream and destination seem far-off from the reach of a commoner like him.
Far somewhere, General Henry and Scientist George Watkins of Planet Cursia dream to build an equal society across the Planets of Star Magneta, but that seems impossible without Extra-Terrestrial Clashes. They devoted their lives in research to bring all the Planets under one umbrella and decide to land on Troy.
How Amiel would decide what to do first - resolve mystery about his Father and win back their lost pride, settle his personal conflicts between friendship and love, do justice with Ethel and Arlyn, or save the Planet? Would he find a way or be torn apart and lost in the Terrestrial Chaos? Endora has lost her Husband years back and now seeing her only son Amiel set out for another dangerous Mission.
Monk Narad travels from one Universe to the other to seek answer to his dilemma. Would he be able to find his answer, would Lord Vishnu be able to help him or would his question keep on running in the timeless space and be lost forever?

• Language: English
• Publisher: One Point Six Technologies Pvt Ltd
• Release date: Mar 17, 2019
• ISBN: 9789388573818

DG Bonnie (pen name)

DG Bonnie is a dreamer writer who loves to write when it strikes. She has been passionate about varied subjects and believes that writing is the best option to amalgamate all the flows of thought into a single form to create effortless pleasure. Amidst all the favourites, she could not set aside her fascination for life outside the Solar System and this Novel ‘Series’ is a harvest of the same passion and fruit of a belief that every happening is the result of the minutiae of people’s mind; and somewhere we are searching out in the space for another existence who are very similar to us, and yet different.Thus she sees a novel as a reflection of a life which is unfair to be tagged to a single Genre; a novel or story close to our life also reflects the same truth and always somewhere is a mixed of genres with love, tragedy, friendship, adventure, nature, science and communicating through literature, and flows with a fragrance of spirituality, yet goes through phases of conflict between right and wrong determining our actions and deciding our fates.This sequel slowly develops with knowing her people first, then moving along with their stories and lives; eventually gets deeper in its own genre as the next sequels line up.She is an IT professional based in Melbourne, Australia after staying in India and USA. The traveling and the cross-cultural association have been an impetus for her writing though she believes that closed walls can never close a creative and conscious mind.All the beautiful, kind-hearted and friendly people across many countries she has met in these years made her believe once again that somehow, somewhere every human being is connected by a common bond, a common tune that is making the human life worth living and loving.Each and everything in this beautifully conscious race have fascinated her thoughts while writing this Novel series and every time while writing about another unworldly World, she wanted to find these beautiful minds, with varieties, with intricacies, surviving in challenges, fighting yet going strong in odds, striving with outside complexities in order to attain the simplest of a peaceful life – could not be a better interest factor to derive and drive a piece of writing.She conveys her deepest Regards and Thankfulness to each of them, and her faith in the existence of another beautifully similar yet distinct realm, existing in this Universe or in another Universe – where the ultimate consciousness and traits of survival are the have-to-haves for consideration.

Book preview

1

*PLANET OF TROY*

‘Mother, what is that green ball hanging in the sky?’ The Kid asked without staring away from the shining object.

‘That is a Star, my boy.’

The Kid seemed to be looking for more, "what does a Star do?’

Mother smiled now; her eyes appreciating Son’s thirst, ‘A Star is a ball of heat and light. It shines, keeps things around warm. Some Stars also help running lives in other Planets where we stay. Our Planet Troy is helped by our star Magneta. Though this green star is not one of those, I think…’

The answer turned the little one down, ‘Useless; only apart from it looks nice, and you told me once that green is good for our eyes.’

Mother was not sure how to respond. Her boy was talking logic but his adamant tone confused her. She kept quiet for a moment, and then said, ‘You know Amiel, every object, seen or unseen, known or unknown, is of use. Nothing exists without a reason. Unless we discover that very cause, we should be respectful to everyone and everything. Once you know, you have your right to like it or not, but dishonouring should never be a choice dear.’ First time during the conversation, Amiel turned away from the shining object to read his Mother’s face. Then he again looked back to the sky.

‘And,’ Mother said, ‘Green Stars are rare. There are people on other Planets who cannot see the green colour from a distance; even if it is there. They see them in red, blue, orange or white. You are seeing this because you are a Troyan. You though need not be proud about it; people on other Planets also do have qualities we Troyans lack. Everything and everyone in the Universe has some uniqueness.’ She now stood up. It was quarter past nine in the evening and she had to get back to arrange eve-meal. Amiel did not follow her. He now loosened up. It’s Wintry, early this time. He stretched his body to feel the cold ground under his back, looked straight up to the green shining may-be useful Star. Amiel started liking it more! Before he only used to love its colour, now he knew that the Star had been created for a reason too. He believed one such reason for sure is to make him glad whenever he desired to look at the evening sky. He kept wondering about the distance and difference between him and the green Star, ‘If Mother is right then the Star is always hot and keeps its neighbours warm. It never knows what Wintry is,’ and he immediately felt fun.

Endora knew her seven-year-old had always been a Kid out of the means. She felt bad that she could not yet put Amiel in school. It took a year for her to recover from the trauma. Amiel was already a year behind to start from Kids of his age. She decided to take him to the Eclectic Academy the next tide to search out admission for him.

In a tide’s time, Amiel found his place in the institution and Endora was happy. Every day in the evening the little boy would come back home and share his adventures from school. Endora would listen overwhelmed with all her attention, help him with lessons and arrange his school sack. Every evening after the meal, they would come out and go for a walk in the open air or talk lying down on the grass, under the big kind sky.

Days started passing and Endora’s life again started moving around this little boy on the Planet of Troy.

Happy moments ran faster than thoughts. Amiel was growing up with every blink of Endora’s eyes. His days were rapidly moving enjoying the unique camaraderie with the green Star. He knew he had fewer Friends, but this Star was always one. His beloved green hanging ball had been a silent supporter and never questioned what he disliked. He knew the Star would never abandon him or leave him alone. He would never have the fear of losing this one relation in life. He felt pleased, contented.

Nine years passed; the Mother and the Son were happy in their small sphere with little expectations and lots of love.

Days were rolling with no noticeable amend, and Endora was slowly forgetting counting on unforeseen troubles. The most beautiful side of life had been hidden by the fact that we never knew ahead that we would not be able to set aside the things we wanted to avoid for the rest of our lives. Endora’s ignorance about brewing troubles continued to keep her happy.

It was late evening time. The sky was clear with barely any clouds. Amiel could see almost all the Stars and Planets he knew. He looked at the Moons – all were shining richly. Three were close around one corner. The fourth Moon, which was neither the smallest nor the largest, was shying at a distance. Amiel admired it the most, ‘It is just like me, all alone and by self, shining in own part of the sky, as if doesn’t want to let anyone know,’ he thought.

Endora threw a glance outside; Amiel was still looking up, ‘What has happened to him? It is strange how a boy of his age is not keen to play or be with Friends! Could something be wrong?’ The eve-meal was ready. She called him out loud, ‘SON, CAN YOU JOIN ME FOR MEAL?’

The sixteen-year-old entered the house. There were clear signs of developing physique visible from under his covering along with signs of broad shoulders. He had medium stretch wavy hair of brown cinnamon colour, hazel eyes with big lashes, high defined nose, a likeable charm well compensated by a good stature of his age. His oval face got duly narrowed towards jawlines. He was at the entry of fair at complexion; the chin was greenish showing initial signs of shaving. His appearance was calm but dispirited when Endora noticed him, ‘Are you disturbed about anything, my dear?’ Amiel shook his head as he pulled a seat.

‘Feel free to speak your mind, if you think it’s worth having a talk to me’, Endora was careful talking to her adolescent boy.

‘I … … I am … … sorry, Mother … … I didn’t want to arouse your anxiety by any chance. I am … … a little disturbed. Probably I should give myself time and find a way to settle down’.

Endora looked at him and waited to reply until Amiel completed a good portion of his meal, ‘I am sure you will unless you feel that I can be of any comfort in solving your problem. I would love to see you on your toes again’.

‘Mother, I don’t want you to feel bad about this … … that’s why keeping quiet… … just give me some time.’

‘My Son. Only if you could understand, the last thing a Mother wants to avoid is being unaware of something that troubles her child,’ Endora sounded emotional though she tried best to discipline it, ‘... ... but I would hate to invade your privacy’.

Amiel had finished his meal; he stood up; slowly walked to clean his hands, then finished a glass of pouring. He came closer to Endora, touched her hand and said, ‘let’s talk; no point is playing hide and find, come!’ Endora followed him silently upstairs till they found a corner on the roof from where, not far away, the river, parks and part of the city were seen.

‘Mother, what if I don’t go to school anymore?’ Looking at those buildings Amiel almost whispered.

‘What! Are you serious, but why? I thought you enjoy studying!’ Endora could be no less than shocked.

‘I do; just don’t feel like being at school. I can study at home; I have all the books I need. The Knowledge Bank and its library are always open to ones who want to pursue higher studies, I can go there.’

‘But, then what about your Friends? Knowledge Bank library cannot offer you your Friends! Aren’t you going to miss Roger and Arlyn there?’

‘Don’t talk about Arlyn to me, Mother.’

‘Amiel, what happened dear? You only told me that they are close to your heart. Now, this is making me confused. You keep on talking about them so often. Roger comes to our house almost every tide-end. You only told me that you will bring Arlyn home some time since I have not seen her yet...’

‘Please,’ Amiel snapped, ‘I don’t want to hear anything about her. The point here I am trying to make is that I don’t want to go to school anymore.’

‘And may I know what made you follow this unconventional path? I am sure you have a good reason. If you please…’

Amiel was silent. Endora touched his shoulder, ‘Son...’

‘I … … I mean…people… …people keep asking about… … about …Father. I am sorry; I never wanted to tell you about this,’ Amiel’s voice roused in pain.

There were moments compelled by silence. It was dark and cold outside and the entire city had fallen asleep. Endora and Amiel could hear their own heartbeats.

‘I think we can afford to talk, tomorrow your school is closed and I don’t see an urgent need to get up early …’ Endora decided to break the silence, ‘People have a curiosity about the unknown, about the famed, the framed and about all that seem unreachable by common man. So, this was on cards. I don’t see a reason for you to come to a decision that would cut you out of your fundamentals. Everyone has challenges to overcome in life! Whatever little you know about your Father, should be enough for you to feel proud of him. Don’t let anyone else shatter it. If you run away from life, people will shape rumours to reality.’

‘But Mother… … this makes me…’

‘Makes you what Amiel…’ Endora stopped him, ‘…insecure, less respectful to your Father? Or disbelieve your Mother? How could a group of people, who know nothing about us, change something that we are certain of? Does this make sense to you? I see enough reasons why you should continue to lead your normal life. You should do this for yourself, for what your Father wanted you to be, for what we know and make the whole Troy believe one day. If you fear small trials in life, then how do you expect to fight for the larger Truth? Your Father had set many great examples; being his Family, would you feel good escaping just because a few people didn’t know what they should ask?’ Endora heaved a sigh and moved her hand over Amiel’s head, ‘will you let it happen my boy?’

Amiel closed his eyes, turned to hug her with passion, ‘I can never let you and Father down. I will live his dream and one day will show the reality to all. All I need Mother, is you, next to me!’

Endora hugged him tight and kissed his forehead, ‘I live for you, Amiel, from morning to night and till the next morning and … …’

They stood there holding hands. No more words were needed.

2

*PLANET OF CURSIA*

‘How ready are we, Doctor? Can we make it this time? Will the Mission fly? I am losing on my patience. I shouldn’t be the one coming to you and asking about updates all the time. You are the most cognizant person knowing the entire dimension in which we have made investments in the Trio. Now, I really need a committed answer – WHEN AND WHY NOT NOW?’

The man in grey Army uniform, with seven scorpion badges on each shoulder, was looking restless. He was in mid-sixties, tall, fair and well-built with a broad brown moustache. His hair was cut too short; he had a square face, bright eyes and an aquiline nose. His grey cap was carrying a white scorpion emblem and a line embossed underneath reading ‘United Mission – Alms Army, Cursia’. His firm features were standing in support of his firmness of actions and intentions.

The question was fired at the white-bearded man in a white apron, a little fairer and little shorter. He was probably…in his mid-eighties. He was too calm in contrast. With a matching tone of his presence, he replied, ‘One more year, Major. You know we can make it provided we wait for the right time with right preparations. There is no intelligence in trying to run before you can walk … ... and, by the way, thanks for investing your time and valuables.’

The taunt could not be ignored and as expected, Major had to react back.

‘YES, I DID; and I do not shy away from saying, rather recapping you this. Now, as you say one year, please remember, there should be bounds of bearing hardship.’

The old man knew the uselessness of putting efforts into argument with Major. The day he would succeed, his actions would speak louder than Major’s voice, ‘Yes, that should be the maximum,’ he concluded precisely.

‘Very well, then I will wait for your confirmation.’

‘Well, the trial is all set.’`

Major-General Henry had turned back by then; he didn’t reply. His loud footsteps slowly faded away down the corridor.

Doctor Watkins went back to the work he had been doing for the past twenty-two years or maybe more. He freed a breath he was holding for long and tried to concentrate.

It had been three hours since the Major-General left; Doctor now decided to call it a day. He splashed some pouring on his face; looked into the mirror and tried to identify if it is still the known face as it used to be. He unhurriedly walked to the window, viewed outside and tried to do a little soul-searching. It did not look easy to recall the time he last stepped out of Cursia. He used to have brown hair and a brown beard when he was brought here for the first time from his Planet, Tusran, by a group led by Major-General Henry. Since then he had been counting days and years to return to his homeland. During early days, he was able to keep his emotions aside in order to finish the assignment as quickly as possible and travel back. After a while, a feeling of frustration trapped his soul as he started missing his people and sensed more difficulties remaining away. Finally, now, after a long twenty-two years, he had almost lost any hope of ever seeing his dear ones. Counting days had become a habit for him, so he could not stop practising it. But, he knew deep inside somewhere there was a big void, emptiness in his heart.

What would be his age; possibly eighty-five around; he may live another thirty years or so – the average age for people in Tusran or Cursia. He thought of mentally preparing himself to spend the rest of his life in this alien Planet.

When young, Doctor Watkins had never believed in the existence of any supernatural. He used to be one of the best intellects of Tusran – full of dynamism, resolution and adventure in his soul. While others of his competence were happy in their small Planet with the bare minimum and nearly no prospect of earning a decent living, Doctor Watkins always cherished the dream of a glorious career. In Tusran, the land was not fertile to grow ample crops; scarcely any natural resources could have been found. There was no prospect in terms of trade or business. He could not find the socio-economic condition commensurate with the upkeep of ambitions that used to go with his dreams. The research and experiment work he fancied of could have never been nourished even by the best supports of Tusran. He had been reading books and accounts about the ‘Planets of Great Fortune’ – how people there had flourished in life and enjoyed a tremendous rise in their standards of living. But, those stories were mere unrealised fairy tales secretly sleeping inside the Children’s storybook pages.

Then came the day when a crowd of armed aliens from those pages rose and landed on Tusran. They called themselves ‘the protectors of the Planetoid’. They were coming from the land of Cursia and possessed ‘Great Dreams’ to enrich the Planetary lives. Soon the idea came out markedly; they came to collect taxes from the Countries of Tusran and in return would protect Tusran from Terrestrial danger. The danger was nothing but protection from Cursia itself, it means ‘you pay me tax, I would let you live’. All the Countries had joined hands on the small Planet, fought bravely but could not resist the Cursians adequately. Cursians demanded taxes as well as the intellects to join their Research Groups. Doctor Watkins was also a chosen one from their merit list. Other scientists put up resistance, joined the fight with Army and battled till death. But, Watkins traded off; between his brain and life of Tusranians. He agreed to travel to Cursia and in return the violence was to be stopped. Tusran had to agree to pay taxes and Doctor Watkins journeyed to Cursia. In exchange for his services, he was given the opportunity of fulfilling his ambitions at work and his Family was offered the premier standards of life on Tusran ground, by the Cursian rulers.

Since then he had been in Cursia staying far-off from his Family and his people. A few years later he heard about his Family declining all comforts offered by Cursia. His Father could not accept his Son’s decision to move to Cursia and the guilt killed him silently. Doctor Watkins’s Mother, Wife and two Children were found to be working on the fields for a living. They chose not to survive on a traitor’s earnings.

‘Will they ever forgive me? If I ever return to Tusran, they will treat me as no other than one who betrayed his men by committing treason. What a life I gifted myself! Should I blame it on myself, my fate, Major-General Henry or the one I never believed to exist – the Almighty?’

‘Dreaming about something, Doctor?’ His trance was broken by a known voice. She was none other than Laura – the only person Doctor Watkins could rely upon in entire Cursia.

‘What are you dreaming about? Share with me old man. Haven’t you heard of it, ‘a pain is gone when it’s spoken, and a heart shared is a hurt broken,’ Laura smiled and looked in a lighter mood.

‘Dreaming of the day when my nightmare will get over, Laura. Wondering if at all that day will ever come’, said Doctor Watkins.

‘Doctor, did I tell you that you are becoming a pessimist nowadays? If the greatest wit on Cursia is lacking enthusiasm, how do you see the dreams we have had for years getting fulfilled?’

‘What do you call a dream, Laura, one which is a nightmare for another person?’

‘Well, when you dream unaccompanied, it remains just a dream for yourself. But, when many people pursue the same dream, then it becomes a ritual,’ Laura said with her eyebrows up.

Doctor Watkins sighed. Laura knew his pain. She lowered her voice and said, ‘No point in discussing this over and over, again and again. We know we have been doing things for a larger cause and it will have some consequences. But, is there a way out?’ She continued, ‘You have been brought here from a distant Planet where people speak a different style, look different and think different from Cursians. I have been chosen from within Cursia to work on the same Mission. We are quite alien to each other in many ways. But, then how does it matter? We are here now for a common cause and cannot run away from it. So, let us face it together, Doctor. You only taught me to be strong in adversity but I understand that you are growing older; it seems that, now, I need to return the same support to you. Leave it here, Doctor – why regret after so many years on things we cannot change? Let us be prepared to face what is inevitable. There are only two ways – either escape which we cannot, or feel inclined to things – I believe the latter will make the time pass quicker’, she paused, ‘and can’t deny that both of us love to work, the purest thing in life.’

‘You are probably right, my Kid, I need to be the old young Watkins again. I was ignoring the fact that I can’t survive without my research work; thanks for reminding me.’

They wished each other, saluted and headed for own cabins. The day after tomorrow would be the first trial when their produces from years of hard work would have to be scrutinised, verified and confirmed by Major-General Henry.

3

*PLANET OF TROY*

‘Are you ready my dear?’

‘Yes Mother, I am; see my new badge for the new class."

Endora kissed Amiel’s forehead and waved him bye on his way to school. She was glad her Son was ready to face life again. Endora thanked The Sire and prayed for Amiel’s goodness.

‘This new book looks so different, Teacher!’

‘Indeed, Amiel. This is a book with a dynamic index and bookmark. The index and bookmark are built on the cover page of the book. The one in your hand is light orange in cover. Since the cover is transparent, you can see through. The layer or cover itself shows the book name initially on the cover. As you keep reading through the content, the cover page data changes and it automatically records and displays the last page you read. This way you do not have to remember where you left last time when you read the book. There is an integrated tiny chip which tracks, integrates and displays this information,’ explained Lady Jeny.

She was tall, a little shady in complexion with golden brown hair and a charming smile. She was wearing a grey full sleeve top and a black long skirt. Her neck was covered with a white woollen scarf with black dots on it.

Amiel liked the concept she explained. ‘Funny and clever, but is that all? Too complex to capture such a simple stuff, isn’t it?’

‘You guessed right, my dear. Knowledge Bank students are still working on it to add new features. However, there are few more, let me show you,’ she spoke loud for all to hear, ‘Say, you are reading and could not understand the meaning of a word. All you need to do is to press the word two times a little hard. The meaning with some of its uses would be displayed on the transparent cover immediately. So, this actually gives you a quick dynamic dictionary. Once the meaning is displayed on the cover page, it disappears as you tap on the next word. At a time, only one-word meaning can appear on the cover page. To solve this limitation what you can do is to tap on the word displayed on the cover now. It will give you an option to store the information for future use. This way you can store as many words along with their meanings as you want. Try a few; choose a few words starting with different alphabets. Store the words, and then I will show you what is next.’

Amiel tried immediately, ‘I have stored three words; two with alphabet ‘b’ – ‘Baler’ and ‘Bovine’, and one with alphabet ‘p’ – ‘Pullet’.’

‘Great, now close the book and turn it over, see the back side of the cover. What do you see?’ asked Lady Jeny.

‘Wow, an index is created. I can see only two alphabets ‘b’ and ‘p’. Now, if I touch ‘b’,’ Amiel tried it, ‘then two words that I stored with ‘b’ expanded and displayed. So, I can select any word to see the meaning again at a later point of time. Oh, this is fun! You know, Teacher, I had to stop many times to open a dictionary or ask my Mother about a word I could not understand. This used to spoil my interest while reading a book. Now, I can have an uninterrupted and more enjoyable reading. Thanks for sharing this.’ Amiel was excited.

‘There is one book for everyone. And now the final surprise. See the side where the binding is there; there are multiple small square boxes printed in different colour. You can press the colour you like to have – instantly you cover colour would change. So, now you have a book which can change colour, like some of the Animal species and if you know, some people on other Planets can do the same as well. They can change skin colour as they want, this made it a lot more difficult to defeat them in a battle or crude War especially if they want to hide.

Let us come back to your book in hand. As the headline reads, ‘Motherland of Troy – The Land and Her Fruits’, we will learn about our Planet and her soil in next class.’

The students curiously selected their favourite colours. Lady Jeny picked up her pullover and turned to the door.

4

*PLANET OF TROY*

Endora just finished cooking. It would be another hour before Amiel’s return from school. She looked outside; Kids were playing in the park. Endora recalled the days when Amiel was of this age. They used to take him to the park every evening. An assorted feeling made her emotional as she controlled a cry; she did not want to circle back to the days she left behind. She missed Derek even more. Endora wanted to simmer down the flow of emotion from coming out – an emotion that made her feel running to Derek and embrace him tight and that she would never let him go away ever; a grief that if allowed to surface would wash out her remains in life forever. How happy were those years – three of them in their loved sphere and she was carrying another little one inside her. Derek was taking care of her more than ever. He was busy with his duties for the Country when Amiel was born, so he wanted not to neglect a moment when Endora was carrying again. Derek managed a long vacation. He was cooking, sanitising dishes, cleaning house, feeding little Amiel, wiping his mess, taking them for shopping and what not! ‘I want you both to be happier than ever’, he loved saying again and again.

Endora had never seen Derek more expressive. Perhaps his subconscious knew that they were having the last days of togetherness. Ever since Derek had left, Endora’s life had been centred on Amiel. Her senses and soul could not bear the shock for many months. The depression had left a discernible consequence on her health and she lost the Child she was carrying. All left in life was little Amiel who was too young to realise how the happiness around them shattered with a big blast! Endora had none to share her misery. Many nights she woke up with a start seeing Derek’s ever-smiling face in dreams; heard him calling her name loud and his voice echoed in her mind even after she woke up. She saw him playing with both Kids in the garden, often dressed like a chef cooking her favourite set of choices; and sometimes when he came too close to her to make love– the dream was crumbled throwing her back to reality. She ran to the window and wept for hours, wanted intensely to see someone who would never come back. She could neither express her desires nor could she suppress her agony.

After more than ten years, the tears took a little longer to erupt but the void inside was never filled. Endora’s Parents tried to persuade her to marry again, but she could never make up her mind. It was easier to live with the pain that kept her close to Derek’s memory than bearing the discomfort of being with someone else every day and dark, where Derek’s name would not exist. She had chosen to be alive with the first one. Wading through the struggles to sustain within their means, she was able to manage with the monthly recompense received from Derek’s service. She had also started supplying homemade cookies and decors in the neighbourhoods; bit by bit started saving sized amount to sprint Amiel’s education. She was pleased seeing Amiel growing up in front of her eyes. She wanted to give him the love of both his Parents. Amiel remembered Derek in pictures and knew him through the stories Endora told him. As he grew up, deep inside he was becoming more compassionate about her pain, felt her loneliness and made him available to support her emotionally. But, the miserable marathon of their life, the deepest pain at the core of their hearts was never brought out in open. They never wanted to drill down in what happened. Endora did not want to stab her sore and Amiel avoided talking about things that Endora wanted to stay away from.

With a tremendous emotional yet calmed bond, their relationship was continuing until Endora became conscious that Amiel was troubled by the cruel realities of life. She could have borne any pain but seeing Amiel suffering from things he was not responsible for.

Endora prepared herself for the change – it was time to talk about the untold, time to prepare Amiel for the outer realm. She would never allow anyone or anything to shatter their lives once again.

Endora wiped her tears off, stood up from the window side and decided to speak to Amiel upon his return from school.

5

*PLANET OF TROY*

‘Hi’.

‘Hey’.

‘I am a new joiner; got admission in this tide’.

‘Oh, I see.’

‘Are you new too? I have not seen you before.’

‘No, I am… … I mean … … I was there. I was absent for a few days.’

‘I see. I am Ethel. Hi,’ she stretched her hand and smiled.

She was stunningly beautiful. Fairest of all girls Amiel had ever seen. She had big blue magnetic eyes, efflorescence beauty at her age, long beautiful legs, gorgeous shining bouncy golden brown wavy hair touching her waist, soft lips, pink cheeks and an exotic body. She was looking so attractive that Amiel stopped breathing for a moment as she smiled.

‘Oh, Hi, my name is Amiel,’ he now extended his hand.

Endora had made snacks for the evening. She wanted to finish all the work and save time for Amiel. This conversation would take longer than ever. ‘What is taking so long – hope everything went well!’ An uneasy feeling was about to conquer her mind when she heard Amiel’s voice – he was talking. Endora opened the door hurriedly and saw him waving bye to a girl of his age. She too was carrying a school sack; she waved back and vanished in the fading twilight.

‘Mom, she was Ethel, my classmate.’

‘I saw dear, come in. I hope you had a good day.’

‘Yes Mother, it was terrific. I will quickly wash and change. Is there anything to eat?’ Amiel ran inside, Endora evidently saw the satisfaction on his face – whatever was the reason, she was happy to see him in good mood after long.

‘I love choco-nut-deckers, thanks, Mother!’ Amiel was so elated that Endora thought over again whether to bring the topic out. But, no more delay should have been made; Amiel must know their past and he was in his best mind to formulate decisions for the future without being controlled by emotional complexes today.

‘I would like to talk to you. Do you have some time? In fact, I may need your entire evening,’ She gave it a start.

‘You have my entire life. Don’t be formal Mother, of course, I have time; I have to have for you.’

‘Fine, we will talk once you finish your plate.’

Amiel was curious to know what Endora had in mind – he was ready in ten minutes. They were sitting on two couches, close to each other. Endora stood up and went inside her room, returned with a big rectangular wooden chest and stopped in front of Amiel, ‘I have kept this for you through these years. I do not have valuables to give you. Over generations, Children inherit jewellery, property or business; I don’t have any of those. I only have this for you.’

Amiel stood up; slowly moved his hands and held the box from two sides. Endora touched his shoulder and then took her seat back. Amiel looked at the box. It was wonderfully decorated with the wood engraved to form an extraordinarily rare piece of artwork. The design and colour were something Amiel had never seen before. The surface was smooth, however, it was decorated with finely tailored wooden strips weaved to form crisscross braids towards the sides crafting a wood plaiting border. Inside the border, the rectangular area was equally divided into small square shapes separated by a wooden wall of nearly half an inch of thickness. So, the area was like a chessboard where each square had a two-inch depth and the half-inch wooden border wall forming the squares ornamented carefully. Every wall design was different from the other; each was a unique woodwork. A transparent glass-like material was set from top to cover the squares forming many close chambers of two-inch depth. From inside each of the chambers, glittering colours were seen befogging the eyes. Carefully observing Amiel saw that each chamber had colourful liquids filled in – as if shiny metals were melted and poured into the gaps. As he shook the box, the liquids started moving and shining even more. Amiel touched the surface again; it was as smooth as if one sheet had been used, although a combination of materials along with the wooden strips, wooden board and the glass-like item was gelled to form the wonderful imbrications – everything was mixed into a perfect harmony.

‘Where did you get this from?’ He exclaimed.

‘It’s with me for twelve years; your Father brought this on my Birthday.’

‘That long? The shine is so new! Are these metals inside; moving like fluids – what a wonderful piece of art! I have never seen such a thing before!’

‘He went to the Planet of Tabula on a Mission. They were pleased with his work and presented this in recognition. You are right; the artwork is very different than what we get to see here in Orland, or in entire Troy.

The shiny things you are seeing are indeed metals; the blue one is called Ivory, the pink one is Roseate, the grey one is Smoke and the yellow one is called Gold. We do not have these on our Planet. These are available in Tabula – all are rare and expensive. But, Derek told me that Gold is the costliest of all and highest in demand. The wonder is –these metals are found deep under the Tabula soil at different layers, temperatures and pressure zones. But in this box, all