Roanoke and the Lunar Sanctum: Roanoke, #2

By J. L. Woodard

When a cosmic anomaly transports Virginia Dare from the lost colony of Roanoke to the far reaches of space, this 16th century explorer becomes an unlikely cosmic voyager. As Virginia traverses alien worlds and encounters enigmatic species like the Lumarians, she searches for her place in the universe while uncovering profound truths about existence.

Accompanying Virginia is Zephyr, a young Lumarian yearning for adventure beyond his home world. His empathy and curiosity lead him to reject isolationism and embrace cosmic diversity. Tyri, a mystic exile, acts as Virginia's guide, sharing hard-won wisdom from her own journey across the stars. Together these three form an unlikely fellowship as they discover awe-inspiring landscapes and advance species, finding where humanity fits into the grand celestial design.

Through Virginia's transformation from stargazer to spacefaring ambassador, this epic saga explores humanity's eternal longing for understanding, unity, and home. As it concludes with new beginnings, we contemplate our shared quest to comprehend the boundless cosmos.

• Language: English
• Publisher: J. L. Woodard
• Release date: Dec 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223150213

Book preview

Roanoke and the Lunar Sanctum

J.L. Woodard

Copyright © 2023 by J.L. Woodard

All rights reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

WARNING: The unauthorized reproduction or distribution of this copyrighted work is illegal. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $ 250,000.

Cover art by J.L. Woodard

Cover Design by Double A Author Services

Editing and Formatting by Double A Author Services

First Printing in United States Nov 2023

Contents

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

Also By J.L. Woodard

Chapter 1

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Seeking the Sanctum

Dawn's rosy fingers crept over the jagged peaks, casting the alien city below in shades of coral and amber. Perched atop a windswept ridge overlooking the metropolis, Virginia Dare watched the twin suns crest the horizon. Their rays set the crystalline spires ablaze with fractured light, a hypnotic dawn dance she had witnessed every morning for the past fifteen years.

Yet the sight never failed to move Virginia just as profoundly as that first awe-filled morning when the Roanoke colonists arrived upon this astonishing planet. Now nineteen, by Earth years, Virginia had blossomed into a slender young woman with long, burnished copper hair that flowed freely down her back. Her sea-green eyes peered out from an elegant face with high cheekbones and a dusting of freckles across her nose. She had inherited her mother’s graceful features, often garnering compliments for her beauty among the settlement.

But her most striking assets were perceptiveness and curiosity, which shone through in her keen gaze. Even as a child, Virginia asked endless questions about the stars and loved hearing tales of her father’s adventures on Earth. Her quick wit and intelligence swiftly outpaced her peers, and she excelled in her scholarly lessons with the Yr'nel sages who mentored all the younglings. In both her willowy appearance and keen mind, Virginia stood apart from the other settlers.

She inhaled deeply now, the crisp mountain air filling her lungs. However many years passed, part of her would remain that wide-eyed, adventure-seeking girl who boldly ventured into the stars. The morning breeze tossed her long hair as she surveyed the alien landscape that had become as familiar as her own skin.

In the distance, the nascent sunlight set the city’s crystalline spires ablaze with fractured light. The metropolis of towering azure and violet structures had been carved from ancient glaciers eons ago by the planet’s first civilizations. It was unlike any city on Earth, yet also reminiscent of mythic stellar palaces. The faceted buildings hummed melodically as sunlight warmed them, resonating in harmony with the planet’s innate energies.

Just beyond the city’s outer shimmering perimeter, the terrain gave way to massive mesas blanketed in alien flora. Twilight hung perpetual over this world, casting everything in shades of indigo, silver and shadow. Three small moons traced their celestial passages overhead, pale ghosts against the darkness. To many settlers, the sky still seemed too empty without Earth's familiar solitary moon. But to Virginia, the alien vista held a beauty that stirred her soul.

She turned from the landscape and began descending the narrow switchback trail that wound down from her secluded lookout. Soon she was strolling through the waking city streets as its nocturnal denizens emerged to start the day’s tasks. The Yr'nel people were already out and about, their obsidian skin and luminous eyes making them easy to distinguish from the human settlers.

Virginia smiled politely at passersby but kept her pace brisk. Today was her nineteenth birthday and her parents were expecting her home soon for the customary celebration meal. Normally, she savored this family tradition that reminded her of their lost homeland. But lately such traditions only amplified the restlessness brewing in her spirit.

Soon the modest dwelling Virginia's family called home came into view, tucked against a hillside on the city's fringe. Her father, Ananias, had carved the stone façade himself in his early years here, determined to construct a worthy home for his family, even on alien shores. The large circular windows were a touch of Eleanor's design, allowing ample sunlight and moon beams to enter.

As she neared the hand-carved wooden door, Virginia paused, observing the only dwelling she had ever really known. Yet recently, it had felt stifling and confining, underscoring her unease with the predictability of her daily life. She yearned to understand her true purpose in this world. What meaning could be found by limiting oneself to the known paths? There were unexplored realms waiting beyond the city's borders, barely imagined wonders that called to her.

With a sigh, she grasped the iron door handle shaped like a crescent moon and swung the heavy door inward. The smell of freshly baked bread and sounds of her mother bustling about the kitchen greeted Virginia. This place was safe, familiar, everything a home should provide. But the spark that once lit her soul when dreaming of the future here had dimmed to fading embers.

There you are, birthday girl! Eleanor greeted her warmly, wiping her hands on her apron as she entered the cozy den.

Her face bore evidence of the trying life she had endured - the dangerous sea voyage from England while pregnant, nearly losing her infant daughter, and then building a home in this stark new world. But her green eyes still shone brightly, framed by wispy auburn hair.

I baked your favorite sweet bread, she said, draping an arm around her daughter's shoulders. Doesn't it remind you of the loaves old Miss Barrow used to make back in Roanoke?

Virginia managed a nostalgic smile. It smells wonderful, Mother. Is Father back from the quarry yet?

Eleanor shook her head.