Guide Time Inside: Ember in Time, #4

By Kim Malaj

A day will come when this world is one.

A divine bride will lead the guide inside to begin again.

He must tip the end.

Four worlds will bend and fold to derive a world untold.

 

Elis learns the dreams he's been sketching for months are visions of a near future. He's confronted with his greatest challenge since losing his mother, Iana. His task is simple, retrieve the urtar stone. His obstacles, monumental. The list of adversaries standing in his way begins with Perseus and his wife Andromeda and the god of time himself, Chronos. All while keeping three seven-year-olds with curious minds out of harm's way. His burden lightened with the support of the Protectors of Time, the descendants of Zeus and Mui but still a task he has to complete.

 

Before the day is one, Ember's compass will guide time inside to dial the light and retrieve the stone before night.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Homestead Albania Print
• Release date: Dec 1, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201981914

Kim Malaj

Kim Malaj lives on a vineyard and homestead in northern Albania with her husband, Arti, author of Northern Albanian Folk Tales, Myths and Legends. Although she is a Show Me State (Missouri) lady at heart (Go KC Chiefs and Royals!), she loves her life at Homestead Albania. When she is not writing, she is tending to the garden, orchard, vineyard, or livestock. Even brewing up several batches of raki, making wine, and other sweet and savory treats made from the fruits and veggies produced in the garden.  She is an avid photographer, keeps an active blog about their homestead, and hobbyist drone pilot, learning the art of drone photography and filming. For more information visit www.KimMalaj.com.

Book preview

Text Description automatically generated

ALSO BY KIM MALAJ

Ember in Time Series

Castle of Teskom

Recover or Yield

Protectors of Time

Guide Time Inside

Who Is Maggie

Twisting Hercules (Spring 2023)

The Old Untold

Failed Book Cover Journals (A-Z)

Text Description automatically generated

Guide Time Inside

ISBN: 9781958502006 Paperback

Copyright © 2022 Kim Malaj

All rights reserved. Except for any review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in whole or in part in any form by any electronic, mechanical or other means now known or invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the author.

Kim Malaj

Haxhaj Nd. 19

Bajze, Albania 4306

www.kimmalaj.com

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

First Edition: December 12, 2022

For my Art and his supportive, guiding hand while I stumble down the mountain literally and creatively.

1

Guide time inside.

What was that? Elis asks, unlocking his locker.

What was what? Milio asks, sliding on his backpack.

You said something about time, Elis says. He shoulders his backpack and grabs his skateboard before closing his locker.

Nah, Milio says, grinning and nodding towards the door. I was too busy gawking at the cheerleaders to speak. He falls into step beside Elis as they head for the door.

Hmm, Elis says, pushing the door open. He squints shutting out the glaring sun. I could have sworn you said something.

Maybe it was Teuta? Milio lightly punches Elis’s shoulder.

Elis laughs. Will you ever let that go?

You shouted Teuta in the middle of history class, Milio says. Plus, that’s only the third time I’ve teased you about that.  

Three is enough, Elis says, dragging a finger across his throat. Bury that next to the insults about ‘curly girly’ hair.

Zero puns left, no deal, Milio says. He nods towards the skate park. Are you heading to the Dome?

Not tonight, Elis says, checking his phone. The twins are coming over.

Milio frowns. Aren’t they like five?

Seven, Elis says, pocketing his phone. He drops his skateboard and places his foot firmly in the center.

Ha, have fun babysitting, Milio says, dropping his skateboard and pushing off.

Elis watches Milio ride away towards the park before he pushes off. He glides in the opposite direction, rolling down the sidewalk and cruising by a few lingering students at the corner.

A lady shouts, Jace, no stop!

Elis hops the curb onto the street to dodge the lady chasing her runaway toddler waddling at full speed towards a large dog. The dog licks the little man’s face. The toddler bursts into a fit of giggles.

Elis chuckles. He looks over his shoulder to check for oncoming traffic, but flies forward off his board. He stumbles a few steps before he falls to the curb.

Elis stands and inspects his jeans and shirt—a new grass stain and small tear in the jeans.

Dang it, Elis mumbles, wrenching his board out of the sewage grate. He checks the wheels. One is dinged, and the bracket is loose. So much for brand new.

Elis plops onto the grass and shrugs off his backpack. He loosens a strap and slides the board through. He adjusts and tightens the board to the backpack before he puts it back on. He hops up and brushes off the grass clinging to his jeans.

Elis checks for traffic before jogging across the street. He sticks to the sidewalks weaving around the afternoon shoppers and students milling about. He nods to a shopkeeper sweeping a stoop on his corner.

The shopkeeper smiles and waves with his broom.

Elis keys in the code to the building and strolls up to the third floor skipping every third step. He pauses outside his door and reaches into the side pocket of his backpack for his key.

It’s open, Anton calls from inside.

Elis pushes the door open and kicks off his shoes. You’re home really early, he says to his dad, glancing at the clock. It’s barely four.

Anton stands from the sofa and gestures towards the dining table. We need to talk before your cousins arrive.

What’s that important? Elis asks, holding up his backpack. Can I at least put this in my room?

Sure, Anton says, reaching up to smooth and straighten his tie.

Elis walks to his room and sets his bag and board down in the corner. His laptop is open on his desk.

Has he been in here snooping? he mutters before walking back to the dining room. He sits down and Anton sets a bottle of water on the table.

How was your day? Anton asks.

Besides falling off my board on the way home... boring. Elis unscrews the lid and guzzles half the water.

Is that why I received an email from your teacher today? Anton asks, pulling out the chair closest to Elis and sitting down.

What teacher? Elis asks, folding his arms across his chest.

Mr. Craven, Anton says.

Elis frowns. Um, why?

According to him, Anton says, today was the third time this week you have fallen asleep in his class.

Elis shakes his head.

And that you called out a name last week that disrupted the entire class during an exam. Anton leans forward in his seat. Care to share your side?

Elis shrugs.

Anton mocks his shrug. That isn’t exactly descriptive. Try again.

History is right after lunch, and it’s warm. Elis fake yawns and leans forward. It’s like a—nap worthy environment. Plus, it’s history.

Anton fights a grin. He manages to keep his expression even and stern. Never let Kaly hear you say that.

Remembering how the twins’ aunt Kaly, spent a good hour explaining the Illyrian era during their last visit to the states, Elis laughs aloud.

Elis, Anton says, this is a serious!

Dad, it’s not like I am failing, Elis says, squashing the laughter.

That’s not the point, Anton says. Shouting during an exam is not exactly helpful for the other students who may be struggling.

That only happened once.

Elis, Anton says.

And it was that same green-eyed girl I see in my dreams.

Dreams? Anton asks, raising an eyebrow.

I’ve told you about them. Elis stands. I’ll show you the latest one.

Show me? Anton asks.

Elis nods. He jogs to his room and rummages through his backpack before grabbing his sketchbook. He returns to the dining table and turns a few pages before he slides the sketchbook towards Anton. This is the girl.

Anton stares at the big green eyes set in a heart-shaped face framed by wisps of dark raven hair. He traces the outline of the girl. It looks real... like a photo.

It’s only a sketch, dad.

Who is she?

Teuta, I think.

Anton shakes his head and pats down the hairs rising on the back of his neck. And this is from a dream?

Dreams. Elis leans forward, pointing out the details of a stone corridor behind the girl. It’s more than that—I feel like I’ve walked through here.

Like in person? Anton asks, meeting his son’s eyes.

Elis nods. You believe me?

Anton glances down at the drawing. I do. Maybe it was a memory of a girl you saw while you were visiting Greece during spring break?

Elis shrugs.

Kaly mentioned her aunt Xena took you and the twins to a dozen castles during that visit, right?

Elis nods. Maybe, you’re right.

And the name you shouted in class?

Teuta.

Ok, so why do you think you shouted her name? Anton asks, pointing to the girl on the page.

Elis sighs.

It’s not like you to fall asleep in class, Anton says, gently, and you haven’t talked in your sleep since you were six.

Elis’s eyes widen. I used to talk in my sleep?

Full conversations, Anton says. Your mom even searched your room for a phone once because she swore up and down there was someone talking back.

Elis frowns. I had a phone when I was six?

Anton laughs. Absolutely not! You’re changing the subject.

Elis shrugs.

What made you call out and disrupt the class? Anton asks.

Teuta was falling, Elis whispers. I had her, dad, but she let go.

Had her where? Anton asks.

We were climbing down into a cave, Elis says, flipping a page in the sketchbook to a drawing of a dark cave. She slipped. I reached down and grabbed her hand. I was lifting her up, but she let go.

And that’s what woke you up shouting? Anton asks.

Elis nods, staring at the sketch. It felt so real.

Anton reaches over to pat Elis’s shoulder. Does she fall in every dream?

No, Elis says, looking up at Anton. That only happened once, but we were racing down a narrow path and then climbing into a cave.

We, Anton says, as in you and this girl, Teuta?

Elis shakes his head. Zana, Ora and Emit were there too. He sticks his hands in his hair and lowers his forehead to the edge of the table. It’s nuts, I know.

2

Emit! Wait until I put the car in park, Danae says, watching her son release his seat belt and reach for the truck’s door handle.

Fine, Emit says, rolling his eyes.

Ora giggles. She can see everything.

Yes, little Miss, I can and do. Danae meets Ora’s eyes in the rearview mirror and winks. She backs the truck into a spot next to Anton’s SUV. The second she slides it in park, Emit swings the door open and jumps out. He grabs his backpack and sprints for the door to the stairs.

Why is he in such a hurry? Danae asks Ora, climbing out of the truck.

Ora shrugs on her backpack and swings the door closed. Something about a new skateboard.

Danae nods. Ah. She locks the truck and follows Ora up out of the parking garage.

Is dad’s flight landing tonight or in the morning? Ora asks as they climb the stairs.

Late tonight, Danae says.

Will Uncle Vincent be, ok? Ora asks, stopping at the landing below the apartment.

Yes, Danae says, kneeling to her level. It was a routine surgery to repair his bad hip. He may not ride a horse anytime soon, but according to Itra he’s already walking Duke twice a day.

Ora nods. Good. He’s my favorite uncle. She leans in close to whisper in Danae’s ear. Don’t tell Anton or Leon.

Danae laughs. You bet. She stands and they climb the last flight of stairs.

Mom, look! Emit says, jumping up and down in the open doorway of the apartment. Elis got a new skateboard!

Danae laughs as she closes the apartment door behind them. I can see that.

Ora runs over to Elis. He scoops her up into a huge hug.

You smell like cotton candy, Elis says, sniffing her hair.

Ora giggles and squirms down.

Hey Danae, Anton says, walking into the living room.

Anton, Danae says, hugging him. Elis has grown at least a foot in the last month. What are you feeding him?

Everything under the sun, Anton says, releasing Danae.

Danae laughs. My days are numbered. Emit already gets up in the middle of the night to raid the fridge.

I can hear you, Emit says, frowning at Danae.

Danae places her hands on her hips. Oh? She bends at the waist to meet his gaze. So, you can hear me now, but not when I ask you to pick up after yourself or make your bed?

Mom, Emit whines.

Danae raises a single eyebrow. Well?

Emit turns his back to Danae then folds his arms and ducks his chin.

Anton chuckles.

Danae straightens and smiles. I should have known uncle characteristics flow directly to nephews. Danae nods at Elis. Meet Itra Junior. She ruffles her son’s hair. And Leon Junior.

Stop, Emit says, stepping out of arms reach from Danae.

Ora tugs on Anton’s tie. What’s for dinner?

Anton smiles down at Ora. Elis mentioned that you three had a plan for dinner tonight, but he wouldn’t share that plan with me until you arrived. Care to share it now?

Ora turns to Elis and Emit.

They nod.

Ora twirls side to side. Her blue dress flutters out. If we can choose, it is a pizza of our choice... each. She holds up three fingers.

A whole pizza for each of you? Anton asks.

No, Elis says, rolling his eyes. We just couldn’t decide on crust and toppings. Plus, it adds a little variety to our plain old pepperoni and olive thin crust.

Plain old, Anton says, shaking his head. He looks to Danae.

Your house, your rules, Danae says. She winks at Ora’s grin.

Pizza party it is, Anton says. Elis, you can call it in.

One step ahead of you, Elis says, turning his phone, which is displaying the pizza app to Anton. Order confirmed and will be delivered in thirty minutes.

Efficient with ordering pizza, Anton says. Maybe we can apply that to history class?

Elis frowns. Dad.

Elis.

Can I see your latest building in Minecraft? Ora asks Elis.

Sure.

Danae watches Emit and Ora follow Elis to his room.

Problem at school? Danae asks, settling down on the sofa across from Anton.

Elis fell asleep in history multiple times this week. Plus, he disrupted the class by shouting in the middle of an exam.

That’s not like Elis, Danae says.

Anton looks over his shoulder. The door to Elis’s room is open. He leans forward and whispers to Danae, He’s been having a very vivid dream.

Like the ones he had after we lost Iana? Danae asks.

I don’t know for sure, Anton says, running a hand through his hair. But I think I may need to revisit the idea of counseling again.

Danae nods. It helped him, but it’s been over seven years. Any idea what may have triggered it?

He’s a freshman at a new school, Anton says. I thought he was adjusting well... until that email from his teacher today.

Danae leans forward. How are you doing?

Busy, but good busy, Anton says, relaxing back on the sofa. The business is now running with great management, which is taking the load off my plate for a change.

That’s great, Danae says.

How are you? Anton asks, looking over his shoulder again. He watches Elis pull Ora up onto his lap to show her something on the screen.

Hanging in there, Danae says.

Two weeks without our favorite referee has been a challenge for all three of us. You saw my son’s drama display. That’s him on a good day. He’s been acting out a bit more after Itra extended his stay for another week.

Those two are attached at the hip most days, Anton says.

Two peas in a pod, Danae laughs.

And Ora? Anton asks.

She is still little Miss Independent, Danae says. She can play or draw for hours by herself, but she was really worried about Uncle Vincent.

She reminds me of Iana, Anton says. Uncle Vincent and Iana were always so close.

I catch glimpses of Iana too, Danae says.

I do envy you and Itra, having one of each, Anton admits. I never thought I would want a girl or even a second child. But I see how well Elis and Ora interact and...

You can borrow Ora anytime. Danae smiles and looks around Anton towards the bedroom door. She loves spending time with Elis.

Ora giggles when Elis smacks his forehead with the palm of his hand.

Danae chuckles. Their humor is definitely similar.

Anton smiles. Along with their artistic side.

True, Danae says. I had to buy an additional sketchpad this week for Ora.

Anton’s eyebrows shoot up. Did she bring it with her?

I believe so. Why?

Elis showed me a few scenes he drew from his dreams, Anton says. The details are remarkable. And he claims Zana and the twins were with him during one of his dreams.

Danae whispers, All four of them?

Anton sighs. And some girl named Teuta.

The hairs lift from Danae’s arms. Teuta. She vigorously rubs her arms.

You know someone by that name? Anton asks.

We both do, Danae says. She stands. Can you show me the drawing?

Anton stands and gestures towards the dining table.

Danae walks to the table and looks down. The sketchpad is still open to the drawing of the dark cave. She traces the outline of the cave.

Anton flips the page back to the drawing of the girl in the stone corridor.

It’s... Danae takes a step back from the table and raises her hand to her chest.

Anton steps towards her. Danae?

It’s happening, Danae whispers. She’s calling the compass to guide time inside.

3

Zana, it’s time to come in! Kaly shouts from the front