A Dance of Two Worlds

By Shoaib Arif

Aden and Elisium. Two perfectly similar worlds, like identical twins. Everything that exists in one world has its copy in the other, including the humans. Sounds perfect? But what happens when two identicals are pitted against each other in a battle of survival? After all, things that look identical are not always the same.
Follow the journeys of Solomon, a young prince, who arrives in Aden to trigger the Transition, a process that puts one world in the ascendancy for one whole loop (441 years). And Moses, a young boy who, exactly a loop later, gets banished to Elisium and finds out that he is the heir and a supposed reincarnation of Solomon the Conqueror. Moses realizes he does not just have to follow the footsteps of his illustrious forefather to restore balance in the two worlds, he also has to fight a despotic regime that is hell-bent on keeping one world on top while destining the other to eternal gloom. If he fails, this beautiful Dance of Two Worlds will stop forever and the twin worlds will never be identical ever again.
He has powers at his disposal, but the odds are heavily stacked against him. However, when there is a will, when there is hope, a miracle is always around the corner. Moses, and Elisium, find that miracle in Jennifer, but will she be able to achieve what no one else ever did?
This gripping tale of fluctuating fortunes, unfulfilled destinies, grave betrayals, and stunning consequences will hook the readers. Despite its innumerable twists, turns, and heartbreaks, this story will inspire people to fight against injustice and keep their hopes alive against all odds.
A power struggle, supernatural elements, strategic warfare, and some divine interventions form the core of this fantasy-action-adventure called A DANCE OF TWO WORLDS.
Although based in two fictional worlds, this book derives its ideas from the situations around us, hence it will instantly hook in readers who are interested in high-concept fantasies.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Shoaib Arif
• Release date: Jan 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005492892

Shoaib Arif

An Author by heart, after writing many short stories and articles, I finally took the plunge and wrote my first novel. The fantastic response on many reading sites prompted me to take up writing more seriously. A trilogy is now on the way and another is quickly taking shape.My worlds are mystical, magical, supernatural but rooted in reality. For people who love Fantasy grounded in realism, my books will surely reel them in.

Book preview

Prologue

Destiny always gives you a chance to choose and your choice decides your fate

Aden will always remember what you did for this world. You will forever live in the hearts of Adeners. Goodbye, sister. See you soon.

Shaun gave Jennifer a parting hug. They were standing on the Deck of Nineteen Martyrs and she was about to jump into the Eye of Tenebra.

The new loop was just two weeks old. Two weeks of upheaval that brought calm, chaos that restored order, war that ended tyranny, destruction that paved way for progress, death that gave hope to life, and darkness that ushered a bright day. The fortunes of the two sisters had transformed in the last fourteen days. These worlds had turned upside down.

Jennifer looked into her cousin’s eyes. Brother, take good care of this world and its people. They all are now your responsibility.

She bid adieu to everyone else and waved to the massive crowd that had gathered there to say farewell to their Savior. For one last time, she looked at the world she was never going to see again.

Holding her husband's hand, she took her last leap.

The whirlpool sucked her in. She didn’t emerge on the other end, rather felt something pulling her down. She frantically moved her hands and legs to stay afloat, and then her eyes fell on something which made her freeze. The water around her had turned crimson. Blood red. She looked around and saw hundreds of dead bodies swirling into the water. She felt a twinge in her heart and gave up her struggle. Her body started to sink to the endless abyss. Water entered her lungs. Quite ironically, she was about to die in the same whirlpool that connected the two worlds with her destiny. Life began to drain out as darkness engulfed her. And then there was a flash of bright light.

Chapter One

The Leap into the Unknown.

When events around you go haywire, when everything stops making sense, leap into the Unknown

Elisium

4L 21/15/1/1 (Loop 4, Cycle 21, Year 15, Month 1, Day 1)

You must leap.

Standing on the Bridge of Faith, a long wooden bridge built precisely above the spot where a giant whirlpool mysteriously appeared every seventh year, Solomon heard someone whisper to him. He wasn’t sure whether that voice was coming from within or from the amulet he was wearing. No one knew why this bridge was built here, yet he believed that it must be there for a reason.

Solomon stared at the Abyss of Unknown, swirling below him.

Leap into a whirlpool? Yes, the situation is critical but is it that desperate?

In those few seconds of indecision, his mind went back to the events of the last few days. He still couldn’t understand how his circumstances had changed so drastically in such a short time. From being busy preparing for a grand ceremony to reaching a stage where he had to run for his life.

He remembered how his father, King Isaac the Enlightened, had dropped a few hints about this upheaval during a dinner.

Solomon had noticed that off late Isaac hadn’t been himself. He rarely came home, barely talked, and didn’t even eat properly. His health seemed to be deteriorating as well. Father, is there any problem? Something doesn’t feel right. Solomon tried to get something out of him.

Isaac gave a grim smile. I must admit that things aren’t going too smoothly for me for the last few years. However, all that has reached a crescendo in recent months.

What is the issue?

This society in our world is built on the foundations of righteousness and justice. The people who reside here treasure their morals and values. But lately, a shadow of darkness has started to grow within our ranks.

Solomon’s heart missed a beat. What do you mean by a shadow of darkness?

Darkness of the soul, my child. Some of our lofty cousins have tasted the fruit of greed and have started to exploit the unknowing masses. Many other influential nobles, lured by the glitter of worldly wealth, have joined hands with them. With every passing day, this shadow of gloom keeps expanding. I believe the sun is about to set on the glories of this world.

Why don't you stop them? You are the king. You have the power. Solomon, the young innocent prince, knew nothing about the vagaries of running a kingdom.

The fruit of rapacity tastes very sweet in the beginning, although it has a horrible aftertaste. Once people get addicted to greed, it is very difficult to abstain from it. All these gluttonous people in our world don't heed to my warnings anymore.

Then you must imprison them, or banish them from the capital.

Isaac sighed. There is no punishment until proven guilty, and there are no complaints against them. Poor commoners don’t even understand the magnitude of their felonies. And those who know are too afraid to speak.

But you are the king. If you know someone is doing wrong you must punish him.

The rules of our land don't allow this. You must understand that we are in the twenty-first cycle and heading towards the end of the fourth loop. Things are bound to change at the end of every loop to kickstart a new chain of events.

Isaac paused for a moment. He mumbled something to himself while his face went through a hundred emotions from a look of dejection to a painful grimace.

Anxiety, uncertainty, and now talking to himself. Something is seriously wrong with father.

Isaac abruptly rose from his chair, removed a heavy gold chain from his neck, and put it around Solomon. The chain was attached to an exquisite locket made of glistening gold with a large flawless pink ruby at its center and twenty sparkling diamonds studded around it. When it touched Solomon’s skin, he felt a sudden surge of energy pass through his body. The Amulet of Transition had instantly forged a connection with its new master, Solomon the next Transitioner. Isaac had passed on the legacy, just in time, because he wasn’t about to get another opportunity.

Isaac looked into Solomon’s eyes. Remember son, whatever happens, protect this amulet from falling into wrong hands. When events around you go haywire, when everything stops making sense, leap into the Unknown. It may well be your passage into another world of opportunity.

What the hell was that? Solomon knew his father was a straightforward man who didn’t like to play with words, but today he wasn’t ready to speak a single straight sentence. Everything that he said was either clouded in a mist or wrapped in layers.

Why is he acting weird? What is this locket? What am I supposed to do with it? A hundred questions popped up in his mind but before he could ask any of them, one of the palace guards announced the arrival of the four ministers who were supposed to join them for dinner. The conversation was left incomplete and Solomon never got another chance to talk with his father.

Isaac was stuck in reining in the political crisis, whereas Solomon got busy in the preparations for the grand ceremony to celebrate his fourteenth birthday. These celebrations were about to take place under a cloud of dissent. There were whispers that some nobles were not happy with the high-handed rule of the king and wanted more authority for themselves. They felt that Isaac was harsh on his ministers and too inclined towards the commoners.

On the other hand, Solomon was extremely excited about the ceremony, but this year his birthday was about to coincide with the Crossing of the Sisters. Every seventh year, the two sister planets, Elisium and Aden, came very close and hung over each other like giant orbs for seven whole days. These seven days of adversity brought with them some severe weather, high tides, mild earthquakes, and the giant whirlpool.

And this time around, this Crossing was about to bring in a storm the kind of which had never been witnessed before.

***

Solomon’s mother, Queen Sylvia woke him on what was supposed to be the most memorable day of his life. His mother’s cheery smile always filled Solomon with warmth and energy. Sylvia was the embodiment of charm and grace. Solomon had heard that during her prime she was the most beautiful girl in Elisium and even towards the end of the second cycle of her life she had some otherwordly aura around her.

Sylvia hugged her son. Happy Birthday my darling. Welcome to the world of grown-ups. Your carefree days of childhood bliss have finally come to an end.

Solomon was in no mood to get out of his bed. I am just fourteen. Who wants to be counted as a grown-up that early.

Maybe in some other worlds in this universe eighteen or even twenty maybe the age for adulthood, but thankfully here that is fourteen. Our years are horribly long. Which world has a year that has twenty-one months of twenty-one days each? When you become the king pass a decree to split our year in two. And besides that, I think I am done looking after you. Sylvia nudged him with her elbow. It is time for you to fly on your own.

So you have grown tired of me.

A mother never gets tired of her son. By the way, have you noticed that you have outgrown your father?

That day the HighPriest was saying that I perfectly fit the description of King David in his younger days. Tall frame, broad shoulders, muscular body, high forehead, fiery green eyes. He had a long list of features.

I didn’t know our HighPriest was a loop old and had seen King David himself. What is he? A giant tortoise in human form? Sylvia chuckled and kissed her son on the forehead. May you rule as long and justly as King David did. Now that reminds me that since you are going to officially become the crown prince tonight, should I start bowing to you?

I don’t see that happening. I haven’t even seen you ever bowing to the king.

That is because I made a condition before marriage. I told your father, in very clear words, that if I marry him I will treat him as my husband and not a king. So he mustn’t expect too much of bowing the head and as-you-wish-Your-Highness-stuff from me.

Father agreed to that?

Sylvia winked. A girl with beauty and brains can bring emperors to their knees. Your father didn’t even have a choice. He was head over heels in love with me.

Solomon shrugged. If the mighty Isaac the Enlightened couldn’t make you bow what chance this poor Solomon has?

Oh! I just forgot that. Today you will be officially given a title. Don’t you think Solomon the Poor sounds pathetic?

Very funny. Yes, father did tell me to shortlist a few titles. I am open to suggestions.

How about Solomon the lazy? Or Solomon the useless?

How about saying goodbye to this annoying Sylvia and coming up with some serious suggestions. You don’t want your son to be stuck with some dumb title.

Sylvia faked stroking her chin. What do you say about Solomon the Conqueror?

Hmm. That sounds strong. See mother, you can be really useful if you concentrate on things other than pulling my leg.

Sylvia gave a light slap on her son’s head. Even your father wanted to have a brawny title. He had decided on Isaac the Mighty but your grandpa insisted that he must choose a title that is more inclined towards knowledge than strength. Hence the Enlightened.

Oh! Poor he. Even I don’t like Enlightened. Sounds a little too academic. Oldish. Boring.

We can discuss the titles later, for now, you have to take your breakfast and then do a few rehearsals for the coronation ceremony in the evening.

These rehearsals are the dullest part of these celebrations. Can’t I skip them? Solomon asked snapping his fingers in small quick bursts.

Absolutely not. The crowd won't like seeing their future king messing things up in his very first public appearance. And don’t do that snapping thing on the stage. People will take it signs of nerves.

Sylvia went out of the room. Solomon slowly got out of his bed and joined his mother at the breakfast table. He had barely eaten anything when Queen Sylvia's hand-maiden rushed towards her. She just stood there, trembling, trying to speak something but couldn’t muster the courage. Sylvia sensed her conundrum. Julia, what happened? Don’t be afraid. Just speak out.

Julia was shaking but she somehow managed to utter a few words. M… My queen, King Isaac… has been kill… killed… by his own guards.

Solomon saw his mother freeze. Her face contorted and her eyes stared at nothing. Her breathing became labored. Oh my God. Holy Angels save our souls. This murder is the last sign. The Transition is near. The Catastrophe is upon us. Elisium is doomed. She mumbled through her sobs. Tears began to roll down her cheeks.

Julia came near her. My queen, you don't have time. They are coming for you and the prince. Your palace guards have let them in. You cannot trust anyone. Please save yourself and your son.

Julia’s warning jerked Sylvia back to her senses. She momentarily forgot her grief and turned to Solomon. Her eyes were moist but full of purpose. You know the secret passage out of the palace. Take that passage. It will lead you to the shores of the river Vinum.

What in God’s name is she thinking.

What do you mean by that? Why aren't you coming with me?

I must take care of a few things before they get here.

I am not leaving you alone. I will leave only if you leave with me.

Sylvia grabbed her son by his shoulders and shook him hard. Listen to me. This is not just about you and me. This is something much bigger. You must save yourself because the future of not one, but two worlds depends on your survival. You must survive for the line of kings to go on. You will understand all this when the time comes, but for now, I beg you by the virtue of your martyred father to please leave.

Now she is talking just like father. Why can’t they just tell me clearly what the hell is happening?

Solomon didn’t move. He was going nowhere, but a voice whispered to him that he must listen to his mother. The voice overwhelmed him. Solomon couldn’t ignore its command. He finally gave in and dashed across the hallway.

Sylvia called after him for one last time. My son, remember your father's words. When events around you go haywire when everything stops making sense, leap into the Unknown.

Yes, I remember those words but they still don’t make any sense to me. What am I supposed to do with them?

Solomon reached his father's chamber and opened a secret door. That door led to a passage that opened into a tunnel. He kept running inside the long tunnel until he came out at the other end. He had reached the shores of river Vinum. He moved a little away from the exit and sat down under a tree to gather his breath. Minutes later, he saw a few guards emerging from the same tunnel.

Solomon ran for his life. The guards, who were sworn to protect him, were now chasing him to finish him off. Everything had become topsy-turvy. Nothing was making sense. He sprinted on the bridge of faith but noticed that a few soldiers had appeared at the far end of the long bridge. He was surrounded.

Solomon stopped in his tracks to contemplate his next move. For a few seconds, he had got lost in the past but that mysterious voice pulled him back to the present. This isn’t a time for flashbacks. You must leap.

Solomon stared at the Abyss of Unknown, and his father’s last words to him echoed in his mind. "When events around you go haywire when everything stops making sense, leap into the Unknown."

Did father really mean this? Did he want me to jump into this whirlpool? Does this make sense? But sense seems to have taken leave from this world.

Something told him that this was the right choice. He tightly clutched the amulet, the parting gift from his father, and climbed the railings of the bridge. His heart was filled with grief, his mind with uncertainties. His dreams had shattered. His world had fallen apart.

With eyes full of tears, Solomon leaped into the Unknown.

A leap that triggered the next Transition.

A leap that changed the fortunes of two identical, yet different, worlds.

Chapter Two

The Amulet of Transition

Surviving a certain death is a miracle and a miracle is what this world is waiting for

Aden.

5L 21/15/1/1 (Loop 5, Cycle 21, Year 15, Month 1, Day 1)

Wow, that’s how you’d imagined celebrating your fourteenth birthday.

Moses glanced at the glum faces of the other prisoners locked with him inside the wooden cage. Although none of them looked like criminals, just like him, they were bound in heavy iron chains. In a few hours, they all were about to be thrown into the Eye of Tenebra and banished from their world.

Moses still couldn't come to terms with the fact that he was sentenced to the biggest punishment in Aden. Every accused in this just and righteous society had the right to seek justice. Even the biggest of criminals got a fair trial and a chance to appeal the verdict if found guilty, but no such protocol was followed in his case.

A week ago, some officers of the regime picked him up from his house and charged him with the murder of a retired soldier. The judges then fast-tracked his closed-door trial and hastily reached a verdict. Moses wasn’t even given a chance to speak in his defense as the judges, based on a couple of false testimonies, promptly sentenced him to Banishment.

Every aspect of Moses’s trial was filled with irregularities. In a clear violation of the laws, he was tried as an adult despite being a few days shy of his fourteenth birthday. Everything, right from his sudden arrest to a speedy trial and an extremely harsh sentence, reeked of some deep conspiracy. But why an all-powerful regime was hell-bent on destroying the life of an average middle-class boy was beyond his understanding.

Moses’s fourteenth birthday was about to become the worst day of his life. However, he temporarily forgot his dismal situation to watch the Celebrations of Freedom from the confines of his cage.

During every Crossing, thousands of recruits departed to Elisium to replace the existing troops. Moses looked, with a hint of admiration, as companies after companies of soldiers came forward on the Deck of the Nineteen Martyrs. Then at the blast of a canon, they saluted the flag of Aden and simultaneously jumped into the Eye of Tenebra in a perfectly choreographed manner. The moment they hit the water, the giant whirlpool sucked them in.

Amidst decent fanfare, fifty companies of soldiers leaped into the dark world to guard Aden’s entry point and protect Adeners from the invasion of its allegedly dangerous inhabitants. Thousands of people braved the thunderstorms and flocked to the riverfront to cheer these brave men. The King, all the nobles, and every minister attended this ceremony.

However, in the last few cycles, a cloud of resentment marred these Celebrations. Soldiers returning from Tenebra had spread gruesome tales about Aden’s atrocities over the helpless people of that world. Many Adeners correlated these stories with their own plight. Sympathy for the oppressed began to take root in their hearts and minds. The cries to stop exploitation in that world grew louder. As a sign of defiance, many Adeners stopped calling that world Tenebra and started using its real name. The thinning crowds at these celebrations flashed red warning signs to the regime about the growing dissent.

Once the celebrations were done, Moses saw hundreds of large iron containers being dropped into the giant swirl. Finally, after the sunset, the wooden cage with Moses and eleven other convicts was lowered into the Eye of Tenebra.

It’s time to say goodbye to this world.

Moses had one last glance at Aden and closed his eyes. When the cage touched the water, he tightly clutched the amulet. His mother had quietly put this locket around his neck when the soldiers had come to abduct him. This precious amulet had been inherited in his family generations after generations. She had told him that it was a lucky charm and it protected its bearer from every kind of evil.

That’s quite astonishing. Your family struggles to make ends meet and yet they own such an extravagant piece of jewelry. Many things about your family have been absolutely weird. There were many things Moses wanted to ask his mother but her streaming tears and a lump in his throat didn’t allow him to.

Now Moses held on to the amulet, not because he believed in its charms, but for the fact that it was the parting gift from his mother and his only memento from his world.

Hope you get a chance to see your mother again.

The ropes holding the cage were cut loose. Everyone inside the cage twisted wildly when the whirlpool swallowed it. After a few seconds, the whirling stopped. Apparently, they had emerged into the other world.

Everyone held onto their breaths and waited for Aden’s soldiers to cut the weights holding the cage and pull them out of the water. But their wait never ended. There was no movement, only the stillness of death. Water filled their lungs and dread filled their hearts. The Banishment was turning into a Drowning.

Moses’s mind went blank. His brain always froze during a crisis, and here he saw angels of death dancing in front of his eyes. His soul seemed desperate to get out of his body. His limbs stopped responding to his commands.

You can’t die by drowning. That’s horrible. Do something to save yourself.

The amulet twitched and then something bizarre happened. It shot jets of fire inside the water.

Flames in water? That’s absurd. Your mind’s playing tricks on you. You’re going nuts before death.

Moses noticed that his iron chains had broken. Or maybe melted. Or maybe he was just dreaming. All other prisoners were also free from the shackles.

However, that wasn’t enough to buy them freedom. There was another barrier. The cage was locked from outside. Despairing prisoners frantically shook the gate, but it won’t budge. It was locked to seal their fate.

Kick the gate. Someone whispered to Moses.

You’ve completely lost it. Why do you want to kick the heavy iron gate that four other prisoners weren’t even able to shake? Are you Solomon the Conqueror who once famously made a castle’s gate fly in a single kick. You’re getting drained out of life but still want to try something stupid.

Moses gave it a try. He kicked the gate with all the strength left in him. He couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the gate break from its hinges and fly away into the water. At last, they were free. The survivors rose to the surface and breathed the fresh air. They swam to the nearby shore and collapsed to the ground. Some of them were coughing violently.

Moses slowly got to his feet and noticed his surroundings. The soldiers, the containers, everything’s gone. No one was supposed to pull you out of the water.

He looked around him. The landscapes were pretty similar to his world. He had imagined Tenebra to be a barren deserted land, but he was standing on lush green grass. Is this Tenebra? Or have you somehow returned to Aden?

Moses was startled when a man, who may have been in the early years of his third cycle, hugged him.

What is your name young man? He asked.

Moses Davids.

The man pointed towards Aden which was hanging above them like a giant orb. That was your name in that world. I was known there as Joseph Daniels. Our families adopted these last names to hide our true identity. But that doesn't help. Our enemies always keep a track of us and we ultimately get banished. Your real name is Moses Solomon, just like my real name is Joseph Solomon. And we are the descendants of Solomon, the Conqueror.

Moses rolled his eyes. I’ve heard many such stories but I don't believe in them.

Joseph shrugged and pointed to the locket dangling out of Moses's shirt. It is quite strange that you wear that amulet and yet don't believe in these stories. That locket in your neck, which saved our lives today, do you know what that is?

Moses shook his head.

That is the Amulet of Transition. The most powerful artifact in the two worlds. That very amulet helped Solomon forge the empire of Aden. Tell me how that amulet is still in your neck? Didn’t the soldiers search you when you were arrested? King Julian and his predecessors have been looking for this thing for the last seven cycles.

Yes, they did. But the guy who searched me just didn't notice the amulet. I thought I’m allowed to keep it.

Joseph stroked his chin. The charms of the amulet might have blinded his sight. Now keep that amulet hidden till we know who is who. Someone here could be a real criminal.

Moses raised an eyebrow. Someone could be a criminal? You mean to say all the banished aren’t criminals?

How many people did you kill to get banished?

No one. Moses crinkled his nose.

That is the answer to your question. Just like you and me, most of the people banished aren’t criminals but the descendants of Solomon. The regime keeps looking for us. Whenever they find someone having roots in the Solomon family they put them on trial. The ones they feel might be a danger to the regime are banished. The others spend their lives in prison. There is a very good chance that all of these prisoners are our distant cousins.

By that time, the other survivors had also got on their feet. Moses quietly tucked the amulet under his shirt.

It looks like the Banishment was a death sentence for all of us, Joseph said to the survivors. And our captors were so confident about the drowning that no one even stayed behind to see whether we drowned or not.

Friend, they had solid reasons for that confidence. Everyone jumped on hearing a deep throaty voice and looked in its direction. A group of men emerged from behind the rocks. An elderly man, who must have been in the final years of his third cycle, was doing the talking. No one has survived the Drowning in the last two cycles. That cage is a sure-shot death trap and seeing you all alive makes me very curious. Surviving a certain death is a miracle and a miracle is what this world is waiting for. Tell me how did you escape?

Moses silently scrutinized these men. Who are they? Soldiers of Aden or the rebels of Tenebra?

Joseph held his ground. Before we tell you anything why don’t you tell us who are you?

The leader of the group ignored Joseph's question and had a close look at one of the survivors. Oh my God! Argus come here. This time we have got your otherworld-twin from Inferna.

A young man stepped forward and everyone gasped in unison. Moses looked at Argus, and then at one of the survivors.

God! Are they lost brothers? Identical twins? Even identical twins have some differences here or there. This is nature’s artistry of another level. The surprises just don’t seem to end today.

The group leader gave a triumphant smile. I always told you that people of Inferna are copies of us. Now see this for yourself.

What the hell is Inferna? Joseph interrupted him.

The man pointed towards Aden. Just like you call our world Tenebra, we refer to your world as Inferna, the Hell.

This conversation’s diverting from the point. First, you must find out who are these people? Moses stepped forward. Thanks for all the lovely information. Now, will you stop beating around the bush and tell us who are you? And where are we?

The leader so far hadn’t noticed Moses. The moment he did, his eyes lit up and his mouth fell open. Shock, surprise, excitement, disbelief, his face was an amalgam of a hundred emotions.

Solomon. Solomon the Conqueror. Solomon the Lost.

Chapter Three

A Dance of Two Sisters

The dance of the cosmos is doom for the mortals

Aden.

5L 14/14/21/18 (Loop 5, Cycle 14, Year 14, Month 21, Day 18)

A day I look forward to.

Andrews the Explorer said to himself as he entered the huge auditorium of King Solomon university for his monthly interaction with the students. Andrews was an astronomer, chemist, physicist, and geologist. He was the first man who had ventured to the far ends of Aden, mapped it in detail, and discovered unknown things about this world. To recognize his contributions, King Samuel had awarded him the title of the Explorer.

Astronomy and science were in his genes. During Solomon’s reign, his great-grandfather Hamish’s experiments had paved the way for many important discoveries. Among other things, he gave a lot of stress on compiling history. He also devised the modern way of writing dates. He believed that since a loop ushered a whole new era it should be mentioned first with the letter L. Then the current cycle, the year, the month, and the date should be mentioned, separated by a slash.

Andrews followed his great-grandfather’s footsteps and became the most celebrated scientist in the history of Aden. He transformed the fields of transportation and communication. He was probably the busiest man in Aden but despite his hard-pressed schedule Andrews never missed his monthly appointments with the students of this university. These interactions always provided him some food for thought. He firmly believed that the never-ending enthusiasm of young minds paved way for major innovations.

Andrews looked around the auditorium. It was once again jampacked, like all his previous visits. Young students looked up to him, he was their icon he tried to live up to his reputation. Today he tried to woo them through a lecture on the future of telephones and how they could change the dynamics of their world. He even talked about some futuristic concepts like phones without chords or the ones that could let them see the person they were talking with. Some of his ideas seemed straight out of sci-fi books, an upcoming fiction genre in Aden, but no one dared to question the visions of a genius.

Once Andrews had finished his lecture, a young man with thick glasses stood up to ask the first question. Sir, tell us something about the seven days of darkness?

Oh! I never imagined that the telephones caused the days of darkness.

The young man gave Andrews a blank stare.

You asked me about the days of darkness during a lecture about telephones so I thought they must have a connection. Andrews’s jibe was lost on the audience. Why did he even bother to talk about anything else when the Crossing was just a couple of days away. Adeners were too obsessed with the Crossing. Andrews himself was overly fascinated with this whole phenomenon in his younger days. He ultimately did a lot of research on this topic and published many books. Quite understandably students wanted to hear about it from the person who knew the most.

Andrews understood that the remaining session was going to be centered around this topic. He looked at the boy who had asked the question. First of all, I would like to point something out to you. The term, the days of darkness that we now use to describe every Crossing, actually refers to the Great Crossing that occurs every twenty-first year. Every third Crossing coincides with an extended eclipse that engulfs our world in darkness and exaggerates its effects. The thunderstorms, tides, and earthquakes are extremely severe. These extra violent Crossings, or the real days of darkness, mark the beginning of a new Cycle of twenty-one years. You will witness this Great Crossing seven years from now.

A chubby girl stood up next. If the Great Crossings are so extreme then what shall we expect at the start of the new loop? We all have heard horrible tales about the events at the turn of loop.

The turn of the loop is seven cycles away, and unless you are a bowhead whale in a human form I don’t expect you to make it that far. The girl’s face turned red as everyone in the hall burst out laughing.

That didn’t come out right. What was he thinking comparing a chubby girl to a whale? His attempted one-liners had left him embarrassed more than once. He tried to salvage the situation. Dear, we shouldn’t worry about things we know we are never going to see. However, curiosity is always a good trait and you look like a girl who knows a lot of stories. So why don’t you tell us something about the turn of the loop?

The girl audibly cleared her throat to gain some confidence back. I have heard that every new loop begins with catastrophic events. There are twenty-one days of extreme darkness. The sun never shines, the thunderstorms never stop, the rivers flood the lands, the volcanoes erupt simultaneously, and the earth constantly keeps shaking. Even the Great Sea changes its position.

Andrews put his hand over his mouth. You just reminded me of my granny with that horrifying description of events. She was quite terrific in describing the terrible. Another bad joke. Andrews admonished himself. But that all is very true. Now, can you tell me what causes such mayhem?

The girl shook her head. I have no idea.

Before I explain that, someone please quickly tell me what you people know about Tenebra?

A girl with curly red hair and a crooked nose answered this question. Our astronomers have discovered that our solar system has a very close neighbor. And quite astonishingly, these two neighboring systems are very similar. In fact, they are like identical twins. Both systems have the same number of planets revolving around their star. Their planets have a similar number of moons. And just like Aden in our system, Tenebra in that system is the farthest planet from its sun and seems like the only planet which can support life. For that reason, astronomers call Tenebra the twin sister of Aden.

Andrews clapped his hands. Very precisely explained. At least some people are making good use of the largest library on this planet. However, it is not just the habitability that connects the two planets. They have a much greater impact on each other. For example, their gravitational pull during these Crossings triggers thunderstorms and earthquakes. Some astronomers used to say that when the sisters meet each other after a long time they shake a leg. And that little dance shakes up everything within them.

The chubby girl stood up again. So why this dance becomes violent at the turn of the loop?

Because when too many dancers come down on the dance floor the dance becomes a pandemonium. Understand?

The girl again shook her head.

Okay, I will explain. Once in every four hundred and forty-one years, towards the end of every twenty-first cycle, the stars and all the planets of both systems align in a single straight line. Our sun and all the six planets in our system pull at our world whereas their counterparts in the other system pull at Tenebra. There is a planetary tug of war, with Aden and Tenebra at its center. The gravitational pull of all these heavenly bodies stretches the Crossing to twenty-one days and wreaks havoc in both worlds. It is a doomsday of sorts. That is why our priests and scholars chose this event to mark the end of a loop and the beginning of a new era.

The chubby girl leaned forward. You mean to say that at the turn of the loop, other heavenly bodies join these sisters in their dance?

"Yes, that is right. My great-grandfather Hamish called this infinite circle of cycles and loops, The Dance of Two Sisters. At the turn of the loop, this becomes a family dance. Hamish believed that apart from the astronomical and geographical effects, this phenomenon has a much larger impact on the fortunes of the two worlds. He famously quoted that the dance of the cosmos is doom for the mortals. When this dance reaches its crescendo, everything within the two worlds is turned upside down."

Another question came from the girls’ side. If the two solar systems are identical, does that mean that Tenebra has living beings and maybe even humans, just like us?

I am sure, just like me, there is another Andrews in Tenebra and I am dying to meet him, Andrews said with an enigmatic smile. But for now, all we have is some legends. Most of us have heard different theories like the theory of Transition and they can’t be true without human presence in both worlds. Hopefully, sometime in the future, we will be able to travel to that world and see it for ourselves. Till then we can just speculate. However, I think there is a pretty good chance that Tenebra has humans just like us.

And then one of the boys asked the question which Andrews had hoped no one would ask. What role does the Eye of Tenebra play in this dance? Why does that whirlpool magically appears on the first day of darkness and disappears on the seventh?

How can this topic end without this question? It was time for Andrews to repeat his well-rehearsed answer for the millionth time. I have to admit that this one thing defies all logic. Why that whirlpool appears at that exact time and at that precise location doesn’t fit any scientific explanations. And do you guys know that anything sucked by the whirlpool is never found again? Neither at the bottom of the river nor the banks. As if it just vanishes from this world.

The boy who had asked the question had his mouth wide open. I can’t believe that even you don’t have an answer for something.

Andrews rolled his eyes. I know you are absolutely thrilled at asking the question that floored the so-called genius, now stop rubbing the salt. Some artistries of nature are beyond the realms of Science, Andrews said with a wink and a smile befitting a saint. The bell rang and Andrews was spared from more questions down that line.

However, that question got stuck in Andrews’s head. It had whipped up his appetite to solve this great mystery.

On the first day of the Crossing, Andrews climbed a cliff that towered above the Eye of Tenebra. There was something majestic about this whirlpool. It was an enigma. It had an air of magnificence and a shadow of obscurity surround it. Andrews was mesmerized by the giant swirl. He felt drawn towards it. He leaned from the cliff to get a better view.

Fate was just waiting for that moment to strike. A strong gush of wind blew Andrews off his feet. Andrews had enough time to curse himself while falling from the cliff. He was never able to rein in his curiosity and that was about to get him killed.

Climbing a cliff during a storm and leaning from it. What was he even thinking? And people called him a genius.

He hit the water with a splash and was instantly gulped by the whirlpool. But to his utter surprise, the swirling stopped in a few seconds. He rose to the surface to find that instead of the whirlpool, he was in the calm currents of a gently flowing river. Andrews swam to the shores and tried to ascertain where he was but he couldn't recognize this place.

This is the worst time to go swimming young man. Andrews turned around to see a middle-aged man walking towards him. He looked like a peasant. Can't you see Inferna is above us? The Days of Adversity have begun. Thank your God that you are down here. If you had been upstream, the Abyss of Unknown would have consumed you by now.

Inferna? Abyss of Unknown? Nothing made sense to Andrews. He frantically looked around. The landscapes looked familiar, but there was something odd about this place. Everything felt dull and gloomy as if covered in a shadow. The grass, the trees, the rocks, the soil, even the river looked dark and dreary.

Is this what he was thinking? That can’t be true. He had to ask this man and try not to look like an idiot. I may sound weird, but can I ask you a question?

Yes, Sure.

What do we call our planet. I mean what is the name of our world? That sounded utterly ridiculous. Andrews was crossed with himself. A so-called genius can’t even frame a question properly.

The farmer creased his brow. I guess you weren't swimming. You were drinking and accidentally fell into the river. You still look drunk.

Andrews felt an urge to shout and ask the farmer to cut the crap but he thought a little politeness here would serve him better. Will you please answer my question?

Elisium is the name of our world.

Andrews wanted to scream. Pull out his hair. His insatiable curiosity had displaced him from his home and transported him to the other world. However, what Andrews didn’t know was that this small incident that had changed his life forever was also about to transform the fortunes of millions of people in the two worlds.

His inadvertent fall had opened a door that was never meant to be discovered at this point in time.

And that door was now going to lead two worlds on opposite paths.

Chapter Four

Prologue 2: A King’s Worries.

A tree with deep strong roots has a better chance of withstanding a storm.

Aden.

5L 21/15/2/10 (Loop 5, Cycle 21, Year 15, Month 2, Day 10)

My sleeping beauty. My precious jewel.

King Julian the Righteous, was standing on the expansive balcony of his room and admiring Aurae, his magnificent capital. The Grand Palace built high up on the Royal Mound in north Aurae, offered magnificent views of this glorious city. Solomon the Conqueror had built Aurae but Julian had dedicated his entire life to turn it into a city of dreams.

Julian constructed some opulent monuments like the Deck of the Nineteen Martyrs, the Freedom Museum, the Chambers of the Central Council, and the