Rhuna, the Star Child: Sequel to Rhuna: Crossroads

By Barbara Underwood

This thrilling sequel to Rhuna: Crossroads is set in mystical ancient Egypt, where black magic was developed by the followers of the legendary villain the Dark Master. As strange and frightening curses plague the population, Rhuna discovers the underground organization that performs this uncanny new magic, but she can only combat it with the help of her long-lost father. Having learned from her father, some amazing new skills to empower her on the Astral Plane, Rhuna once again strives to preserve peace and harmony in the idyllic Atlan civilization.

Far more challenging than fighting powerful dark forces, however, is Rhunas personal anguish when her daughter becomes involved with the leader of the black magic movement, and the once-perfect Atlan society based on utopian principles begins to crumble all around her. Shocking events escalate Rhuna's world to a breathless climax as she and her family undergo a momentous upheaval, and she is forced to make great personal sacrifices for her loved ones.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris AU
• Release date: Jan 21, 2016
• ISBN: 9781514444870

Barbara Underwood

Barbara Underwood was born and raised in Sydney, Australia; the only child of German migrants who provided a rich and diverse childhood environment. Already in third grade she wrote a short children's book for a class project and realized that she was deeply satisfied with creating stories. In sixth grade, for another class project, her teacher was so impressed by the lengthy story she submitted, that he commented at the end "I see we are going to have another author".Over the years Barbara kept writing one thing or another, but only as a hobby while she pursued other interests and goals. In the 1990s, she completed a correspondence course in professional writing, doing it in her spare time after work. This led to having a few short stories published, but what she really wanted to do was write a proper novel.At this time, Barbara had travelled extensively and gained a wealth of knowledge and experience in subjects that held special appeal for her, namely ancient history, myths and legends (such as Atlantis, the builders of megaliths around the world), folklore (the belief that a god-like race gave mankind its technology), human psychology and the culture of other countries. What could be a better subject for her novels than to combine all these elements into one big adventure!

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Copyright © 2016 by Barbara Underwood.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 01/18/2015

Xlibris

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CONTENTS

Part One(Damell)

Part Two(The Benshi)

Part Three(Uxbana)

Part Four(The Guardians of Knowledge)

Part Five(Lozira)

Part Six(Beacon of the Night)

Part Seven(The Ubanti)

Part Eight(Voyager of the Ocean)

In memory of Frank Giese

PART ONE

(Damell)

R huna looked out onto the courtyard garden of her beautiful home, listening to the gentle rain on the paving stones and letting the moist air soothe her parched spirit. She breathed in deeply and closed her eyes, and for the first time since she had arrived in Safu, only peaceful darkness caressed her mind. She focused on the soft patter of rainfall, letting the sound lull her Consciousness into a free-floating state, just as her father had taught her.

Rhu-u-u-na! came the melodious sound of her small daughter’s voice, bringing her back into a fully awake and present state with happy anticipation.

Shandi! Rhuna called and opened her arms to hug her excited young daughter. What did you do today, My Little Honey Cake?

Gardens…saw birds! gushed the little girl, her big round eyes full of awe and wonder. Rhuna kissed her rosy cheek, and then looked up to see Faleesh enter the house with Aradin right behind her. Rhuna noticed their damp clothes and flushed faces from rushing home to shelter as the long-awaited rain finally began to fall.

We walked in the Sanctuary Gardens, said Faleesh airily, and Rhuna noticed the serene happiness in her face. Seeing the gentle woman so happy with Shandi confirmed to Rhuna that she had made the right decision in asking her former maid servant to help take care of Shandi.

Yellow cat! piped Shandi, and Rhuna raised her eyebrows at the little girl in mock surprise.

You mean the lions? Rhuna asked, gently stroking her daughter’s silky soft cheek.

No. Yellow cat! Shandi insisted with a firm shake of her head, and Rhuna looked questioningly at Faleesh.

No cats in the Gardens today, Little One, Faleesh said, looking fondly at the child. Sometimes she says strange things, she said to Rhuna, shaking her head with a smile.

Rhuna glanced past Faleesh at her husband, who had come home at the same time as Faleesh returned with Shandi from their outing. She immediately noticed the tension in his face which had extinguished his usual cheerful glow.

Rhuna, we have to talk! he said in an urgent tone. Rhuna stood up quickly, nodding a silent request to Faleesh, who was already taking Shandi’s hand to lead her into the adjoining room.

Yellow cat! Shandi called back to her mother as she left the room with Faleesh.

We have to talk about your father, Aradin said sternly, ignoring his daughter and giving Rhuna a piercing glance.

Again? I’ve already told you all I know, Rhuna insisted.

This is something new, Aradin said in a tone that sent a chill up Rhuna’s spine. Come, sit down here, he said, directing her to the comfortable seating cushions in front of the glass doorway. Rhuna slowly eased herself onto the cushions facing the courtyard garden and waited silently with bated breath.

Divider of Fortunes summoned a vision by means of the Gazing of the Waters earlier today, Aradin began slowly. Rhuna nodded, indicating that she was aware that Divider of Fortunes was proficient in summoning many delicate nuances of visions by means of the Gazing of the Waters, outshining many of his Atlan peers in this traditional Atlan skill. Images of The Reigning One at his residence, Aradin continued.

Is something wrong with The Reigning One? Rhuna asked with alarm. She had become very fond of the enigmatic leader of the Benshi people in Safu.

No, no, said Aradin hastily as he shook his head. It’s about…you. You and your father, he finally said.

What about us? asked Rhuna, feeling perplexed.

Aradin hesitated, looked intensely into Rhuna’s eyes, and then took a deep breath. "In the images there’s only you. Not your father, just you."

"What do you mean, just me?" Rhuna shook her head, baffled.

I mean… the images show you sitting and talking, but there’s no one else there! Aradin said, getting agitated.

I still don’t understand, said Rhuna, searching Aradin’s face but finding no answer. How can there be no one else there?

In the visions there’s only you, and it looks like you’re talking to an invisible person! Aradin spat out, almost trembling with emotion. She stared at him as she tried to understand his words.

But…but you know I’ve been going to The Reigning One’s residence to visit my father for three solar cycles now! she protested. I always tell you all about my visits!

"But why doesn’t he want to see anyone else? Why doesn’t he want to meet me, your husband? And why doesn’t he want to see his grandchild?" Aradin spluttered, his face turning deep red with distress.

He has reasons…I told you! said Rhuna defensively.

But he hasn’t really explained those reasons to you, has he? Aradin retorted.

No, but… Words began to fail Rhuna and she shook her head in disbelief. What does this mean, Aradin? I’m really scared all of a sudden, she said as an icy chill wrapped around her. Aradin took her into his arms and held her.

I don’t know…I really don’t. But we’ll find out! And whatever it is, everything will be all right, he said in a soothing voice. Rhuna felt the usual warmth of emotions flood through her body whenever Aradin held her, and she was relieved that nothing had changed in this respect. Then she became aware of how truly disturbing Aradin’s words were, and that his descriptions of summoned visions had deeply frightened her.

It’s almost time for the meeting of The Observers, Aradin said after a while. Maybe they can help us understand this. Rhuna felt distressed anew at the thought of talking about her father with their friends.

Are they also going to tell me that I’m talking to an illusion? asked Rhuna angrily, and before Aradin could reply, she called Faleesh. Faleesh still works for The Reigning One and knows all the guests staying at his residence, she said, confident of resolving this matter before their friends arrived.

Faleesh, Rhuna said as the woman quickly responded to being called. My father - the traveller who is a guest of The Reigning One - tell my husband that you’ve seen him, spoken to him!

Faleesh stared at Rhuna for a moment, an odd blank look passing across her face. Your father? A guest of The Reigning One? she asked puzzled. I didn’t know your father was here! she said surprised and delighted.

Yes, yes! said Rhuna excitedly. You must have seen him many times. He has been staying at the Residence for more than three solar cycles already!

That long? Faleesh said as her eyes widened in alarm and then confusion.

You know him! insisted Rhuna. He is tall and slender, with a grey beard…and I come to visit him all the time!

Oh? Faleesh seemed to be thinking hard. I have seen you visit The Reigning One, but I didn’t know your father was a guest there, she said, looking perplexed.

You must have seen my father – Avenger of Justice is his Atlan name… Rhuna stopped when Faleesh began shaking her head. He’s a guest! You always tend to guests, don’t you? asked Rhuna, getting frustrated.

Yes, of course, replied Faleesh, still looking worried. But The Reigning One often has guests, sometimes many at a time…I cannot remember…

Faleesh! What’s wrong with you? You must have seen my father there many times! Rhuna shouted, and then regretted her tone when Faleesh looked as if she would cry.

Leave it now, interjected Aradin. Faleesh, please take care of Shandi while we meet with some friends, he said in a kindly manner. The woman smiled gratefully as she was dismissed.

I can’t believe that in all this time she’s never seen my father! Rhuna said, shaking her head with exasperation.

We’ll sort this out soon, Aradin said as he placed a comforting hand on Rhuna’s shoulder. Look, our friends are arriving.

Rhuna quickly composed herself as the members of the group calling themselves The Observers began to arrive, pretending to come on a purely social visit with friends. They placed their damp cloaks and collapsible rain shelters in the paved entrance way before stepping inside and onto the many exotic and colourful floor rugs Aradin had acquired from his merchant clients.

Four of the seven Atlan men and women wore Masters Robes, identifying them as qualified and proficient in the traditional Atlan skills of transforming elements and summoning visions by means of the Gazing of the Waters. Rhuna greeted each one with a handshake in the customary Atlan manner and welcomed them inside where she offered them fruit nectar delicately seasoned with spices.

Dark storm clouds gather on the far horizon, said Divider of Fortunes in his usual deep and rumbly voice, and Rhuna remarked that everyone in Safu will welcome a good downpour after several hot and dry lunar cycles.

Roses of the Field, whose very long and pale hair fascinated Rhuna, smiled kindly at her and asked politely how she and her small daughter were faring.

After some more casual exchanges and comments about the weather, the group of friends began to enter the special windowless room where they could conduct their meetings in private. The soft light and comfortable seating cushions made the room very inviting, but its special feature was the unusual set of receptacles, one in each corner of the room. Designer of Works had constructed them to prevent the followers of the Dark Master from summoning visions of their meetings. Rhuna was constantly in awe of this remarkable invention which looked like decorative urns but contained certain metals and chemicals which created a magnetic energy field.

Rhuna always felt safe when she heard the low buzz of the magnetic energy current circulating around them, but today, Rhuna reluctantly lowered herself onto a seating cushion in the middle of the room alongside The Observers, then waited in silence for Aradin to move the lever near the door which activated the protective force field around them.

A storm is looming on the horizon, said Divider of Fortunes again, and Rhuna realized he meant it in a figurative sense as well as literal.

We have been seriously negligent! continued Designer of Works with dismay as he shook his head and tugged at his long bushy beard. We dismissed the activities we observed in recent solar cycles as meaningless, yet our latest hallucination-induced visions reveal disturbing activities by the Dark Ones.

Rhuna recalled how horrified she had been when she first learned of the hallucinatory herbs used by some Atlans in Safu, in violation of the principles followed in Atlán. Since then, she had come to understand and even admire The Observers’ noble quest to stop the followers of the Dark Master by observing their hidden activities. The Dark Ones performed strange rituals in secret rooms under the pyramids, visions of which could not be summoned by means of the Gazing of the Waters. The Observers, however, had discovered that inhaling certain hallucinatory herbs enabled them to experience visions of the Dark Ones’ hidden activities.

The Dark Master has left a formidable legacy, said Revealer of Truths, who wore a Masters’ robe. Rhuna found that her long red hair looked even more striking against the white of her robe. Despite his demise almost twenty solar cycles past, his followers not only continue in their master’s path, they even extend and enhance the Dark Knowledge and activities established by that One, she said with a pout of her sensuous lips.

The followers of the Dark One have resumed their abhorrent behavior of several solar cycles past? asked one of the Observers aghast. Taking animals and even small children at night from the Commoners’ part of the city to kill….as if the spilled blood increased their powers and pleased their leader, the Dark Master?

Rhuna sensed a shiver of abhorrence ripple through the entire group as each one remembered the events of several solar cycles past.

Much less direct and obvious, since they were exposed by The Star Child, said Revealer of Truths nodding towards Rhuna. Their Dark Activities continue in a much more subtle manner to avoid detection and possible reprisals at the hand of The Reigning One’s army, she explained. Rhuna shuddered as she recalled how The Reigning One’s army had executed the Dark Ones who had so blatantly pursued their Dark Ways among the unsuspecting Benshi people.

One thing remains constant, however, interjected Divider of Fortunes. They persist in their pretense of being principled Atlans serving the community with good deeds, exactly as in the recent past, when The Star Child revealed the members of the Atlan Council of Safu to be the Dark Ones, perpetrating their vile deeds in the dark of night.

One could almost believe that the Dark Master has defied death and continues to teach, guide and lead his followers! exclaimed Softness of the Clouds in her usual tender voice.

Rhuna reacted quickly. Yes! His followers actually believe that the Dark One is still alive and communicating with them, telling them what to do! she said, remembering her own frightening visions when she first arrived in Safu and realized that the Atlan Council members she had trusted were leading a double life as followers of the Dark Master. We never discussed the question of the Dark One’s immortality… Rhuna began, but stopped when she saw that Echo of the Evening was about to begin one of his lengthy speeches.

Indeed, the Dark Master’s legacy grows ever stronger, becoming deeply entrenched in society, Echo of the Evening twittered. The ageing Atlan man reminded Rhuna of a scrawny grey-headed little bird. In Safu society, to be precise, he added quickly, and then took a deep breath.

In recent solar cycles, as we have all come to hear…and indeed, most residents of the city of Safu are aware…that many people have succumbed to a new and aberrant superstition, he said as his fingers twitched nervously. On first learning of these peculiar beliefs, it was believed only a certain number of the Benshi populace fell victim to this odd…yes, even fantastic…custom…of fearing unseen forces that cause ailments or mishaps to befall a person…without discernable reason.

Finding the cause of certain ailments can be very difficult, said Rhuna confidently, looking at Roses of the Field for confirmation. The woman with the very long and pale hair nodded firmly.

As healers, both The Star Child and I know only too well that this is indeed so, Roses of the Field stated. Rhuna smiled at the woman’s use of her new title bestowed upon her by the awe-struck Benshi people several solar cycles past.

Yes, yes, twittered Echo of the Evening as he prepared to continue his speech. This very manner of thought prevented us from considering the possibility that the mysterious afflictions befalling many Benshi…and indeed some Atlan residents of Safu, may indeed by caused by…by unknown forces…perhaps even Dark forces…

Surely it is merely superstition! said Roses of the Field looking horrified.

Echo of the Evening shook his head and raised his hands to gesture patience as he continued. Divider of Fortunes, Designer of Works and I…yes, all three of us, have observed by means of hallucination-induced visions that certain Dark Ones are involved in performing uncanny activities, and in so doing, we observed them discussing individuals who had succumbed to ailments or mishaps…discussing them in such a manner as believing to have directly and deliberately caused those ailments!

Who has been afflicted? Rhuna asked.

Mostly traders and travellers coming to Safu for various reasons, answered Divider of Fortunes. It has even been assumed that these incidences have been acts of sabotage, yet they cannot be proven.

But why would someone want to…sabotage…these traders? asked Rhuna, carefully testing this unfamiliar word.

Some of my clients have expressed concern, nodded Aradin. But they don’t know who would want to do such a thing, nor why. Safu has always enjoyed very good trade relations with near and distant lands, and these worrisome events have only begun in the past solar cycle, he added with a frown.

Echo of the Evening continued his report with rhythmic movements of his long, narrow fingers. These Dark Ones have been colluding, yes, meeting in secret in the depth of night, to be precise…to combine their powers and skills to…to cause injury or illness to certain individuals! His last words sounded like a strangled tweet.

Pictures on walls or clay tablets, also figurines and statuettes are made to represent certain individuals, Revealer of Truths added, and when these objects are subjected to various forces, the individual connected to the object succumbs to ailments.

Rhuna suddenly remembered the last report by Wanderer of Plains, an Atlan scout who journeyed with her from Atlán to Safu nearly four solar cycles past. His initial account of mysterious behaviour by the Atlan Council of Safu was the reason Rhuna came to Safu, as a representative of the High Council of Atlán, and she had received further reports from the scout during his short stay among the inhabitants of Safu.

Rhuna spoke up and told her fellow-Observers what she remembered from the scout’s reports.

That’s right, I remember this, said Aradin with a firm nod. He also reported that the general populace had become afraid, superstitious, and had begun believing in the protection of amulets…which we dismissed at the time because it sounded too absurd!

These are matters we, The Observers, must investigate! said Divider of Fortunes with authority, and Rhuna observed the determined nods of agreement by everyone in the room. The Observers muttered amongst themselves, nodded and then looked at Revealer of Truths as she moved from her seat and spoke up. May one of you summon visions of these amulets, here in this water basin using the Gazing of the Waters?

Excellent suggestion! twittered Echo of the Evening, and promptly all Observers huddled into position around the basin.

Divider of Fortunes, you are most qualified in the summoning of the Gazing of the Waters, Aradin said to the deep-voiced man who merely nodded solemnly.

Rhuna watched as the skilled Atlan Master spoke the words of incantation for the summoning of certain visions, his intense concentration taking the place of the coloured powder that most Atlans must use as an aid in summoning visions in a still body of water. Rhuna held her breath as the familiar swirls of colour appeared in the water. The water’s reflection turned opaque for a brief moment before revealing a clear image of a past event.

Rhuna watched intensely as the vision revealed three men in Atlan robes conversing with Benshi people, giving them strange items of jewellery.

This amulet shall protect you from curses of physical ailments, said one of them to a woman who gratefully accepted the item and immediately hung it around her neck. A man standing beside her stepped forward to ask a question of the Atlan men.

I am a trader, travelling many treacherous paths through wilderness, he said with a lilting accent, and Rhuna assumed he was from Aradin’s homeland, Varappa. She had met many traders from this mysterious and distant land through Aradin’s occupation as maker and keeper of deeds and trade agreements.

May you walk in peace and security! announced the leader of the Atlans as he handed him a large item of shining metals and gemstones. This is a talisman imbued with protective power, he told the trader. Be fearful no longer, My Friend! he said as he clapped a hand on the trader’s shoulder in a gesture of friendship. Rhuna felt there was something familiar about the Atlan man, but before she could examine his face more carefully, the image in the Gazing of the Waters faded.

It is a fact that traders and wealthy merchants seeking trade with Safu have been targeted by strange ailments or unexplained mishaps, commented Revealer of Truths.

Perhaps we should ask The Star Child to summon a vision using her superior skills, suggested Designer of Works. More than once have her visions revealed activity hidden from the rest of us.

Rhuna nodded her consent, and as she glanced across at Aradin, he gave her a reassuring nod and smile. She positioned herself in front of the basin and began the gentle deep breathing her father had taught her. With each inhalation, Rhuna felt the energy tingle through her body and her power of concentration increasing.

She closed her eyes to focus on the nature of the visions she wanted to summon, and when she opened them again, the water of the Gazing of the Waters was swirling with vibrant colours. Rhuna and her fellow-Observers waited silently as the colours turned to opaqueness, then cleared to reveal a vision.

Three men were huddled together in a dark room lit with only a candle, whispering covertly, We have succeeded! The trader has succumbed to his ailment in precisely the manner we had determined! The other two men nodded and voiced expressions of both awe and deep satisfaction.

Brother, your skills are sublime! said one of them with an ugly sneer, which immediately repulsed Rhuna. She watched the men’s movements and expressions carefully, trying to impress their faces on her memory.

The many experiments of utilizing figurines at the precise point of the lunar cycle have produced favorable results! said the first man in a confident tone, and Rhuna now felt certain that she knew him. She scrutinized his face once more before the vision faded and the water became clear.

After a moment of thoughtful silence in the room, Echo of the Evening piped up. There it is, there it is! As we have surmised, he nodded nervously. They intentionally targeted a trader…with deliberate, malicious intent!

May it not be true! added Softness of the Clouds in almost a whisper.

We must at all times be receptive to new and unfamiliar activities, else we shall fail in our quest to stop the Dark Ones! said Reaching the Moon to murmurs of agreement.

Divider of Fortunes nodded. Indeed, it would be to our detriment to assume something to be impossible. Whenever a person, or a people collectively, believe to have complete knowledge of a matter, then their path becomes stagnant, even decaying.

Rhuna found these words disturbing, but had no time to think about their deeper meaning.

I think I know the Atlan man we saw in the Gazing of the Waters, said Rhuna. The one who seems to be their leader. His voice…and those green eyes are so familiar, but I can’t remember…

Perhaps summoning more visions of this man may refresh your memories, suggested Reaching the Moon with a smile, and Rhuna nodded in reply.

After a moment of silence, Revealer of Truths cleared her throat and began to speak. The most recent vision summoned by us showed the Dark Ones discussing The Reigning One, and that’s why Divider of Fortunes summoned visions of The Reigning One…

And that’s when we saw you, Aradin said as he looked at Rhuna with deep concern.

The room fell silent and Rhuna tensed with discomfort.

The vision was so…unusual, began Divider of Fortunes carefully, …that each of us summoned the same event several times, yet the images remained unchanged. Keeper of Wisdom…I should say, the Star Child, he corrected himself, seated alone, talking as if in conversation with another person seated opposite.

I don’t understand this, she said shaking her head vehemently. Are you saying that my father is not a real person…that I’ve been imagining him all these past three solar cycles?

Roses of the Field lowered her gaze and carefully began to recount the events leading up to the arrival of Rhuna’s mysterious father.

It would not be such an unusual outcome when the events of past solar cycles are considered, she said softly, watching Rhuna’s reaction closely.

But I’ve recovered from those things! insisted Rhuna, then looked at Aradin. Since meeting Keeper of Justice, having our child, living in this beautiful, peaceful home, I have been happier than ever before in my life!

Aradin smiled and leaned over to place his arm around her shoulders. The happiest time for both of us, he said with conviction as he squeezed Rhuna’s arm.

This fact is apparent to all of us, said Roses of the Field with genuine warmth as the other Observers nodded and voiced their agreement.

However, as you know yourself, Star Child, she continued cautiously, emotional imbalances can remain hidden underneath peace and happiness. Great distress, even trauma, may be buried deep, and emerge in an unexpected manner.

Rhuna looked down at the floor as she recalled the many instances of healing emotional imbalances with Solar Light Healing in Atlán, where she had learned to become a Healer of both body and mind.

The High Council of Atlán condemned you, put you on the same level as the Dark Master… began Roses of the Field before Rhuna could brace herself for the painful reminders of events only several solar cycles past. A devastating ordeal no other Atlan has yet had to bear, she said solemnly. Yet to compound the emotional assault, Harbinger of Solace demanded that you send your daughter back home, and has forbidden any contact between you and her…a harsh and bitter wound indeed! The fulfilling and rewarding life in Atlán, the husband and daughter you had in Atlán…taken from you with such cruel force… she trailed off as Rhuna lowered her head.

Such deep frustration at not being able to defend yourself and explain because you had to protect our secret as The Observers because other Dark Ones operating outside the Council of Safu were still watching and actively working against us, she added softly.

So are you saying… Rhuna suddenly had to stop and swallow hard. …that these events have caused me to hallucinate and imagine…my father?

Is he not a continual source of comfort and support to you? Roses of the Field asked.

He has been teaching me new techniques of Inside Focussing to calm my mind, to find balance, harmony and restore my …

"Is it not also possible that your subconscious mind is doing these things automatically to heal you, but an avatar is necessary for your mind to do this?’’

I can’t believe this! Rhuna blurted, moving to stand up.

Aradin motioned for silence and shook his head vehemently. No, I am convinced this is not the way it is, he began, springing up to follow Rhuna to the door.

I’m going to see my father, right now! Rhuna stormed out of the room as tears began to stream down her cheeks.

I’m coming with you! Aradin said firmly as he jumped up to follow her to the doorway.

As she stepped out onto the wet stone path, Rhuna realized she had forgotten to put on footwear or take a portable rain shelter, but her agitation was so strong that she could not stop her determined