Light Journey

By Anne Howard and Ghostwriters

Anne Howards Light Journey is a gripping story about Jamie Travelstead, a young teenager, who lives on the planet, HallowWinds. Jamie comes from a wealthy family, but loses it all with the brutal murders of her family. Grief consumes her, until she realizes the murderers are after her too. Jamie has magical powers that they want and will not stop until they get it from her.

Jamie flees to earth on a dragon. The witches gather other Dark Particles to join them in their quest against Jamie. How can a teenage girl fight against such evil and so many enemies?

Resting in the boughs of her favorite oak tree, TimberWood, Jamie regains her inner strength. Her rage propels her into becoming a Light Champion. She works to free teenagers enslaved in the witches castle. She and her friends become protectors of the Light.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Sep 28, 2016
• ISBN: 9781532004810

Anne Howard

Anne Howard’s passion in life is education. She received numerous awards for her teaching and artwork. Her mentoring enabled many students to receive awards and become successful. As a child, Anne spent Saturdays at the library where ghosts and witches became her friends. She hopes these characters come alive and open the universe before you.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Nature’s Pause

F or a breathless moment, all creation seemed to wait for Jamie Travelstead to begin. She straddled her favorite oak, TimberWood. With each foot on a sturdy branch, she raised her arms and reached for the stars. As she pointed to TimberWood, the oak’s branches and leaves became perfectly still.

By tapping her baton on the tree trunk, Jamie alerted the participants to get ready. Several oaks, maples, tulip poplars, and a Japanese red maple focused on Jamie. She waved her wand to the left, swirling it higher and lower. The trees obeyed Jamie’s every direction. They knew when to come in and do their part.

She loved the role of a conductor, and drawing scenes in the air that went with the music. The tip of her wand drew sketches of teens playing soccer in the street. The kids scurried back and forth, keeping the ball in constant movement. The side kicking of the ball produced percussion sounds. One of the boys made a goal. The children’s laughter and cheers permeated the air. Clarinets, French horns, oboes and saxophones reverberated.

Next, she drew an ice cream truck with its melodies created by bells, piccolos and triangles inviting all to come. The jingles of change, squeals of delight and the chatter of their parents added to the symphony.

TimberWood, I’m doing it. I am giving sounds to nature, and it trusts me with its musical notes. I can create melody, harmony and rhythm. I do not have to pretend. I’m ready for my prince.

Jamie conducted another song. TimberWood’s leaves danced in harmony with Jamie’s feelings. Every tree joined in the dance while squirrels and rabbits frolicked around the base of the trees. The cardinals, blue birds, wrens and gold finches circled above like a kaleidoscope of colors. Sunlight flickered through the leaves, making silhouette patterns that tickled the sky with laughter. Jamie moved in rhythm, enchanted by the speckles of light on herself and TimberWood. She twirled her wand faster, staying in perfect sync with the music around her. All the trees’ limbs swirled as they whistled and hummed her favorite music Nature’s Melodic Pause.

TimberWood’s leaves and branches swayed in festivity. Your sounds match life, Jamie said. We’ve touched each other’s hearts. We’ve harmonized our music, drawing nature together in a rapture of one accord.

We make beautiful music, TimberWood agreed. Jamie and TimberWood played together since she was a toddler.

Jamie hugged TimberWood. The middle section of the magical tree’s trunk wrinkled up as his bark moved, twisted, and repositioned to form a mouth, nose, ears, and eyes.

He motioned to Jamie to move closer to his mouth. TimberWood stroked his bark covered chin. My limbs act as arms and my leaves as hands. I have all the human senses and can use them to identify others’ feelings. He whispered a warning. Be careful. The witches’ goal is to control you.

What witches?

The witches who roam the universe from Black Eye Galaxy. I am very serious, Jamie, they are after you.

Okay, I promise you. I will stay alert. Now can we just get back to happy stuff? Climbing high into TimberWood, Jamie reached a stopping place where a larger branch split into two. She sat on one of the limbs and swung her feet. Jamie became reflective and watched the pathway of the sun.

TimberWood started up again. I am concerned for you, Jamie. Watch out. The witches can cast spells and overtake you.

My parents warned me against witches, but they also told me my powers increase as I get older. I will be able to defend myself. Besides why would they be interested in me? I am only twelve.

That’s true, TimberWood said, but you have powers that you are not even aware of yet. You need to use extreme caution.

Jamie played with a leaf. How bad can it get? My twin sister Kattie already steals my stuff. She tears up my room, and picks on me.

TimberWood cradled Jamie in his branches. I’m sorry about your sister’s behavior. Her meanness reminds me of the witches.

Jamie hoped to get the latest gossip. Really.

They are bullies just like your sister. You know how my roots extend under the yards in this neighborhood and beyond to the adjacent properties. They go under the lot owned by SpiderWood and SilverWorm. There are rumors these witches have joined forces to go after all the magical people on HallowWinds. Their hate for each other and other people propels them to target goodness. Havoc and destruction are the witches’ mission. Kattie’s aggravation is mild compared to the twin witch sisters. They are always threatening us. We must not fall into complacency. We must be prepared if they strike.

Jamie squeezed her tree. She preferred living in HallowWinds to any other place of magic, but her parents wanted to move elsewhere, some place safer.

The day’s shadows deepened. It was almost time for Jamie to go in for the night, but she could not bring herself to do it. With the increased daylight hours of summer and the gorgeous sunsets, it was so hard to go inside before dark.

Jamie played one more game, pretending to have a fearless hero as a friend. Jumping from one branch to another, she felt like a fledgling springing off a launch pad to conquer the world.

She sang and swayed to the rhythm and words of another favorite song, Your Winds Carry Me on High. Jamie so wanted someone to be her superman and keep her safe.

Jamie’s desires filled her mind with images so real she felt the prince’s radiant smile warm her. His corn silk hair waved with the breeze. She saw his emerald green eyes blink at her, and heard his soft-spoken voice say Hello there.

Her mensch seemed so real. Jamie wanted him to scoop her up and take her to a castle with towers touching the sky. Maybe he will come tomorrow and stay for a while.

The sun finished its journey, forcing the light into darkness and heralding the night as a friend. Jamie watched the day disappear. Leaning her head against the center of TimberWood’s trunk, she could feel his heartbeat. She stroked his bark. I love you, my friend. Good night.

********

The next day, Jamie sat close to TimberWood’s trunk with several branches cradling her. She propped her head on her knees. A ladybug landed on a nearby leaf. Jamie gently placed her finger in front of the bug. It crawled up her finger and settled into the palm of her hand. Jamie encouraged the bug to fly, but it didn’t. The ladybug warmed its body, in no hurry to move on. Jamie knew that her destiny was worth the wait, but she could not help thinking that time crawls like a bug on a leaf. After replacing the bug to its leafy perch, Jamie climbed higher into the branches so she could see the images of the flickering sunlight.

Enchanted by the dancing light, Jamie stood up on a bulky branch. From behind the clouds, she could see strands of blonde hair sparkle and then flashes of shimmering green. Has my leading man come calling today? He seemed more real when she thought of him.

Absorbed in her imaginings, Jamie leaned forward and slipped. TimberWood tried to break her fall by gently moving his branches into the path of her descent. She caught hold of a branch and hung on for as long as she could.

Then Jamie lost her grasp on the limb. Mysteriously a teenage boy broke her fall, catching her in his muscular arms. Her hero had emerald green eyes, and shoulder-length blond hair reflecting the sunlight. His hair brushed against her face as she gazed into his eyes in disbelief.

Her heart pulsated, pumped, and added a beat. Who are you? Jamie gasped. Am I dreaming about my prince?

Well, I’ve never thought of myself as royalty of any kind, and I am not a dream. My name is Griff Burton. The polite teen gently placed her feet on the ground. Are you alright?

Jamie rested on a tree stump to examine her hands and legs. Yeah, except for a few bruises and scrapes. I am good. Thanks to you.

Griff switched from one foot to the other. No problem. I’m glad to help.

How did you know I needed help?

Your scream traveled the energy fields. Griff chuckled.

What planet are you from? Are you sure that you are not a king or prince from some other place? You kind of look important.

You ask a lot of questions. No, I am not a crowned anything. I am in Light Channel’s Officer Training Corp. After high school, I will be an apprentice as a Light Keeper. He held himself up straight. I just turned fourteen the last day of June. I’ll be starting high school in late August.

My birthday is on October 17 and I’ll be in the eighth grade. I’ve never heard of Light Keepers.

Griff laughed. Really? I thought you would know all about them. Your parents …well I guess you are too young to know.

Too young to know what? Some gentleman you are. And wait a minute, do you know my parents?

I’m sorry I didn’t mean to imply anything. Let me explain myself. I live on the Light Channel with my uncle, Belcor Williams, who has been a Light Champion for many years and is now the Commander-in-Chief. Your parents have been his friends for a long, long time.

Well, you know my last name is Travelstead. My first name is Jamie. I haven’t met you before, have I?

No, but my uncle has a framed photo of your family on a bookshelf in his office. In fact, you are standing in front of this very same tree in the picture.

Oh, this is my dearest and wisest friend, TimberWood. I spend a lot of time in his branches. Getting back to my falling from TimberWood’s bough, you never really answered how you knew I needed help.

I travel to Earth and HallowWinds with my uncle on some of his safer missions. He has fancy detectors that pick up signals from magical people or creation. I heard a call over his device that you needed help. As a Commander-in-Chief, my uncle protects the Light Channel and the whole Universe from Dark Particles. Occasionally, he sends me on a rescue assignment. Uncle Belcor allowed me to come by myself. So, here I am.

Do you mean I’m your assignment? Jamie asked sarcastically.

I insulted you again. My uncle and I were close to HallowWinds, and he let me come. However, Jamie, I also came because I wanted to come. I wanted to meet the girl under the tree for a long time. Besides, we don’t rescue just anybody from a fall out of a tree – only special people like you.

How sweet of you to say that. Jamie reached up to touch Griff’s arm. The contact brought a brief insight. I’m sorry you’re having a rough time. You’re sad over deaths in your family.

He fixed his eyes on Jamie. I don’t understand how you knew that.

My parents told me that I have the gift of revelation, Jamie said. I sense things about people. I feel you are grieving.

Griff sat on the stump next to Jamie. I’m not handling the murders of my parents. The brutality still haunts me. When I close my eyes, I relive the events. Blood covered their clothes. I want the murderers to pay for their crimes, but my family and I have only a few clues to go on.

I’ve had some bad experiences like yours.

What happened? If you don’t mind me asking, Griff whispered.

Jaden was brutally murdered. I was the one who found him, Jamie sniffled. I was really close to my cousin. I hung around him after school. We were best friends. I could not deal with his death so I tried to shove it out of my mind. It doesn’t work.

Griff touched Jamie’s face. So that’s why your heart is full of tears. I didn’t want to pry.

No, that’s ok. It is good for me to talk about it. I have had this gift of revelation since I was three years old. It was fun then. When I was eight, I sensed Jaden’s murder but I dismissed it. I did not know how to tell anyone. It took me a long time to talk about the death of my cousin. I blamed myself and couldn’t face my emotions. I have enough anger to last a lifetime. Everyone thinks I am happy-go-lucky, and I can be.

I’m like you. I am full of rage about dark and evil things happening. It is not fair. There’s hope in knowing our gifts grow as we do and these powers will help us to fight the rage within us. Griff shifted and smiled awkwardly. Griff’s royal blue cape whipped in the breeze. He wore a gold medallion on a glittering chain.

Jamie noticed the gem’s beautiful swirling colors. May I touch it?

Sure. Look at the inscription inside too.

Jamie ran her finger over the words, carved at the bottom of the rim, Protector of the Light. Tell me about your gem, Jamie said. It looks amazing, and I know it must be special to you.

It is unique and distinctive. I inherited it from my father. He gave it the name, LightStone. It is an offspring of Genesis, which is a stone capable of greatest light. LightStone is one of my defenses.

Defenses? You mean as a future Light Keeper?

Yes for the future and the present. Someday, after college, I will be a Light Champion. This tradition is important in my family. Actually, it is highly valued in your family also. There is unbelievable evil and darkness in the universe. We have to stay alert at all times – not just to protect ourselves but all those who are harmed by the Dark Particles.

TimberWood told me yesterday that I need to stay alert, and now you. Maybe I really do need to be more serious. Jamie said as she handed the medallion back to Griff.

Yes, please do. No matter how young we are, when we have magical power, the witches will target us. Would you like to see the LightStone in action?

Oh yes. I was hoping you’d ask me.

Griff touched his medallion. Sun Particles. Come now.

Bright spheres filtered through the sky. They floated, exuding light that flooded the backyard. They passed close to Jamie.

How exciting. I adore the rainbow colors created when they shine through each other. Jamie showed him the colors reflected on her arms.

Griff smiled as he held a crystal sphere, spinning it on his right index finger. He bounced it like a basketball. They illuminate our Channel, which belongs to a galaxy without a separate sun or moon.

Jamie studied their delicate appearance. It must take a billion of these spheres to get enough light for the Light Channel.

You’re right, Griff said. Or maybe zillions.

Jamie relaxed even though she talked to such an impressive young man. She surprised herself.

Griff glanced at his medallion. Hold on—my gem is turning orange.

Is everything okay?

I don’t know. The color is a sign of caution. The Sun Particles and I must go for our assignment with Uncle Belcor. I need to get back to his ship. We are requested to report to the command center of Light Channel.

Will I see you again? Jamie asked.

Oh, yes, you will definitely see me. I want to see you soon. Griff patted Jamie on the shoulder.

Jamie touched his arm as energy flowed between them.

Look up to the northeast for a message. Griff created a gust of wind that transported himself and the Sun Particles back to his uncle’s spaceship.

Jamie watched the sky as multicolored banner spelled out I enjoyed our time together. See you soon. She touched the bark on TimberWood and rubbed her hand over the designs and textures of his trunk. In her heart, Jamie anticipated seeing Griff again. We will be friends. I just know it. He is a trainee now, but he will be my prince. Jamie was startled when she heard the back door open.

Jamie, your sister and I are home. Come in and try on your new school clothes. Her mother and identical twin sister, Kattie, had gone to lunch and shopping together. Once a month, she took them out separately for mother and daughter time.

Okay, I’m coming. Good timing. Glad Griff had left. I do not want Kattie to know about him. Bounding in the door, Jamie exclaimed, What did you get for me?

We found the best back-to-school sale, Mom replied as she held up a yellow tuck pleated blouse. This looks like it would be perfect for you, Jamie.

The trio had a wonderful time going through all the packages while Dad sat in his favorite chair watching them with such pleasure. Jamie caught her father’s eye. They exchanged knowing smiles. I wish it were always this peaceful with Kattie around. Today is a good day. A good way to begin eighth grade tomorrow. A prince and a peaceful home.

CHAPTER TWO

Darkness

J amie sat on the Travelstead castle floor in front of the fireplace as her tears soaked into the wooden floor. Guess Griff is busy with officer training and high school on Light Channel. It has been almost eight months. No time? I thought we had the beginnings of a great friendship. I know we connected. Jamie brushed her hair away from her face.

Another tear fell and landed on her hand. She was astonished when it turned into a miniature dove. Then several more tears speckled the floor. They too became doves. The snow-white birds flitted and fluttered around Jamie, doing various tricks like an air show. Jamie laughed and the doves disappeared in the upstairs rafters.

After finishing all of her homework assignments, Jamie spread her drawing pencils in front of her and chose a dark red to make the final touches. With fluid lines, she sketched her mother’s knitting basket with numerous colors of yarn. The family’s black cat, with a ruby collar, had playfully pulled out a ball of variegated yarn, making colorful designs on the floor near the fireplace hearth. Jamie titled her drawing as Rubie’s Yarn Art.

Eager to work on Griff’s portrait, Jamie put the cat drawing aside and picked up her sketch of Griff. The drawing, with its vivid hues, showed a strong resemblance to him. It reflected what she thought was Griff’s inner self and strength. Jamie had a supernatural adeptness to create a phenomenon of light in her art.

Jamie’s dad was working on a small woodcarving of a bear. He glanced toward Jamie and caught her looking at him, Are you drawing me?

She perked up and placed the drawing of Griff at the bottom of her stack along with one of her dad. These are surprises so don’t peek, Jamie said.

Dad winked at her.

Jamie stared out into the room, picked a gray paper and a deep blue pencil, and sketched her mom who sat near the fireplace. Mom, curled up in a baby blue throw blanket, held an opened book titled, Family Connections.

Dad leaned against the wall close to the stairs as he whittled away on his woodcarving, making a few final changes. The bear carving took center place with a set of three-dimensional animals that already graced a two by twelve foot long plaque. The panel fastened on the wall from the first step up to the landing.

What kind of wood are you using for the bear, honey? Mom asked.

Ironwood. It is very difficult to carve, he responded.

Jamie laughed, Guess that is why it’s called ironwood.

I learned to use this wood from my Lakota friends. And, yes, smarty. Dad chuckled. I found this piece in the Appalachians on our last vacation. It feels and looks a lot like petrified wood. Once I sand and polish it, the wood will have a dark, rich quality. He will look like a black bear in the middle of all my lions, tigers, monkeys, zebras and elephants.

The animals magically came alive and played with each other, running up and sliding down the banister. One of the monkeys hollered Wheee as he whizzed by the other creatures on his way down. Wheee.

Jamie’s parents gazed at each other affectionately. Not watching what he was doing, Dad sliced into his finger below the knuckle. Blood oozed onto his hand and dripped on the floor. Blast it. I cut my finger.

Jamie jumped up. Her mouth flew open. Dad, are you ok? She ran to him.

It’s just a small cut, but I might need stitches. Dad winked at his daughter, Maybe it is this tough ironwood.

Jamie’s mom threw her book on the chair and rushed to assist him. She applied pressure to the cut and bound his wound to stop the bleeding. Mercy, it looked like half of your finger was cut off. She laid