The Adventurers: Children of Adonai, #3

By Brandy Marks

THE ADVENTURES Book 3 in Children of Adonai weaves a thrilling tale that transcends time, space, and dimensions. As it unfolds, newlyweds embark on a surreal journey into an otherworldly garden, leading the readers into a cosmic realm of supernatural entities. The journey now centuries forward, we find Miriam, a divine soul yearning for Lucifer's redemption from his ancient dragon-binding. Meanwhile, Meira, a mortal soul, finds herself prisoner in an alternative universe, at the mercy of the formidable Empress with her commander involved in another nefarious plot.

Parallel to this cosmic ballet of power and salvation, a separate plot of sacrifice and heroism unfolds. We meet Ariana, a celestial Fae, and her husband, both willing to risk their lives to save Miriam from her demonic imprisonment on Celaeno. Lucifer, now free from his chains, sets out on his own mission to find Miriam, under the watchful eye of the divine Yeshu'a.

Yet another drama unfolds on Celaeno, when Ariana, conflicted by her husband's newfound faith in Yeshu'a, leaves him and in the dark about their unborn child. As their child grows, he is kidnapped and his mother, Ariana, embarks on a perilous journey to reunite with his long-lost son who's off on his own adventures.

From celestial battles to emotional roller-coasters rides, The Adventurers captures the unrelenting battle between good and evil, fate, and free will, amidst love and loss. This paranormal tale invites you to a universe brimming with more than one adventure that includes magical elements, demons and vampires leaving you on the edge of your seat with unexpected twists and turns. Get ready for an exhilarating read like no other!

• Language: English
• Publisher: DOTCross
• Release date: Apr 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9781963428063

Book preview

Preface

WHEN THE DESIRE TO write this book was birthed, it was to provide a form of entertainment for readers and because Lucifer is in the stories I’ve had to ask the questions:

What if Lucifer could be redeemed?

Several Christians, appalled said, Impossible. Yet, Yeshu’a said, What is impossible with man, is possible with Adonai. So...

What would it mean if he were?

The answer to this query is the fictional piece before you now. As you read or listen to the story, consider this scripture:

Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. — 1 John 4:7

To my readers— this is not scripture though I’ve referenced scripture. I do not profess divine inspiration; it’s possible. Rather the novel is a fictional story and neither, you as a reader, or I as the author must have theological agreement. Indeed, some Christians believe it is the work of the devil.

The work does presume certain doctrinal beliefs but this novel is not meant to be an account of biblical truth. It is merely an exploratory look into a possibility and imagines, What if?

Mythology is in some portions. The rationale here is that ancient or modern mythological creatures and gods have their basis in some level of fact or are the result of the actions of fallen angels.

When possible, I’ve tried to be consistent with my use of scripture and biblical commentaries and my imagination to tell a story that spurs the interest in the Word of God while also creating an entertaining paranormal tale.

Chapter 1

FIERY CLOUDS

WITH MY NEW HUSBAND, Brian, the two of us are off to Ireland for our honeymoon. I'm Ciara, in case you were wondering. As we settle into our seats on the plane, I notice Brian reading the local news. Anything exciting in the paper? I ask.

He chuckles and responds, It's about UFO sites and those students who disappeared. The theories are pretty interesting.

I raise an eyebrow skeptically. Not another alien scare? It's been so long since there was a reported sighting.

Brian shrugs. Not everything makes it into the news. But it sounds like the government is up to their coverup tactics again.

I mockingly roll my eyes. Yeah, but what do they have to coverup? No sane person believes in alien landings. I glance at Brian. We've had this discussion before, and we'll never agree.

Brian shakes his head in frustration. He's six four with dark curly hair and a lean frame, towering over me at five nine. With my full figure, long red hair, and off-set features, I may not fit society's standards of beauty but I have a certain charisma that draws people in, Brian in particular.

My confidence and intelligence intrigue Brian, as well as with my full figure, and he’s told me, when I smile, my face glows and he can't resist teasing me about my lack of belief in faeries, dragons, krakens, and unicorns, though he imagines I’m a Fae myself.

You're Irish but you don't believe in your own weird folklore he challenges. What will you do if you run into one of the wee folk?

I'll punch them in the nose before they can trick me, I reply and laugh. I love jesting with Brian but I never take his talk of faeries seriously. I mean, come on, who does?

As we settle into our flight from Chicago to Ireland, Brian continues reading about UFOs while I try to catch up on some sleep. We arrive early and check in for our flight to Dublin.

Later, as we're flying from Chicago to Ireland, Brian shares more about UFO incidents. Did you know Roswell is the most infamous for these sightings? People have reported seeing strange objects in the sky for thousands of years.

I scoff at the idea. If there were really alien spaceships, I doubt they'd be hiding in clouds or fire. Although, I add mischievously, I can imagine angels or other celestial beings coming in the form of lights in the sky. Remember that article by the rabbi who suggested seraphs could be fire dragons?

Brian is surprised by my mention of angels. I never knew you believed in heaven and all that.

I don't believe in it, but if we're talking about UFOs, might as well throw in some angels or fire dragons, I say with a chuckle and a twinkle in my eye.

You're teasing me again, Brian says with a smile.

Well, of course. You’re an easy target. I punch him lightly, then lean in to kiss his cheek. What else do they say about UFOs?

The Rendlesham Forest in Suffolk England, has been referred to as ‘Britain’s Roswell,’ and is the most well-known UFO sightings in Britain. In 1980, two pilots in the US Air Force reported seeing lights falling to Earth over the forest around 3 a.m.

Likely space debris or meteorites.

Even I, and some scientists, would agree with you. Ireland has the most UFO sightings in Europe, 105 recorded UFOs, followed by France and Spain. UFOs, mostly described as unexplained bright lights, in Ireland and the rest of the world. Angels again, Brian says with a smirk, yet I know he wishes I would take his ideas a little more seriously.

In the good old USA, California has the most UFO sightings, with the highest number in Los Angeles. The term flying saucer is when a pilot traveling to Yakima, saw nine aircrafts in a V formation moving towards Mount Rainier, like a saucer skipping over water, then misinterpreted as meaning the objects were shaped like saucers."

People believe what they want. So, it’s not so much they are actual saucers, but lights reflecting off surfaces, or those darn angels flashing fire and light in the clouds. I chortle at the thought.

AFTER BOARDING OUR flight, several hours later we arrive in Ireland, where we plan to enjoy ourselves, taking in as many sights as possible. At least once we’ve had a good night’s rest.

This is a lovely place. It’s perfect. I glance at the room and walk to the window. Outside, sunlight warms its wooden deck and glitters off the surface of the lake. Sailing skiffs move about farther out. It’s lovely. We have this for what, the next three weeks?

Yes. All to ourselves, so let’s make the most of it, and our time together. As my lips land on his neck. Have you seen the view from the bedroom? I imagine it’s better, he says as his lips move down my neck then even further down to my breasts.

Come on. Let’s go upstairs and see, or something.

Giggling, I pull away and move to the stairs along the wall, leading to the loft, Brian not far behind. A large space greets me, opening to the floor below and floor to ceiling windows. It’s a good thing we’re alone with no prying eyes looking in.

Who cares about prying eyes? Brian quickly pulls off his shirt then makes short work of my garments, although I’ve removed most of them already. The two of us fall back onto the king size bed, his pants the last to go. Sight-seeing is over for the moment; we are both busy and otherwise occupied, his hands and tongue exploring and given the opportunity I follow enjoying the salty taste of his skin on my lips.

We spend the next few days exploring not only one another but the countryside, enjoying the lush green landscapes and picturesque villages. Brian is thrilled to show me around his homeland, pointing out historical sites and sharing stories from his childhood.

One evening, as we sit by the fireplace in our cozy cabin, sipping on hot tea, Brian turns to me with a serious expression. Ciara, there's something I need to tell you. I look at him, concerned. What is it, Brian?

He takes a deep breath before continuing. I know you don't believe in aliens or otherworldly beings, but there's something I haven't shared with you. He pauses, searching for the right words. I've seen things...unexplainable.

I study his face, trying to gauge his sincerity. What kind of things?

Brian hesitates for a moment before speaking. When I was a child, I saw strange lights in the sky. They moved in ways that no plane could maneuver. My dad said I was imagining things. Maybe. After all, I was only eight except what I’d seen then sticks with me even today.

How odd, is all I can think of to say, but his words leaves me wondering.

The next day, we’re looking forward to seeing the coast. I want to see it all, says Brian, his eyes are bright with excitement. Kerry is said to be mystical, with enchantment in abundance. Perhaps a Faerie or two. He not realized I’ve returned to the loft to finish unpacking.

Upon our arrival, we had procured a vehicle to enjoy the emerald green landscape of Ireland’s countryside, as we drive. Today, we are on our way up the coast, back to our lodging. I see why it’s called ‘the Kingdom’ of Ireland.’ It’s so beautiful.

Brian nods, finding it difficult to keep his eyes on the road; they wander off to the steep cliffs, overlooking the ocean. Isn’t it amazing, the view from this high up?

Best keep watch or we’ll end up in the drink. Oh look, Brian. Stop the car! I am excited. Stones steps in the hillside. Where do you imagine they go? Brian pulls the car off the road. I leap from the car, not waiting for him. I gaze up at the rough stones.

Do you think they go to a castle up high?

Not one I can see, but we don’t have time to look anyway. We’re due back soon. Returning to the car, we continue on our way. Soon we find ourselves at the restaurant where we’d agreed to meet friends for supper. Then it’s back to the villa just the two of us. Sean said some stone stairs, like those we saw today, are ancient and lead nowhere, other than up.

That’s odd, isn’t it? 

Once upon a time, there was a faerie story to go along with them. I chuckle. We can ask around tomorrow, if I’m that curious.

It’d be fun to know. I’ve read about some castles and a fort around here. Carrigafoyle Castle built in the 1490s, is one of the strongest fortresses. The fort, Dunberg, is an archaeological site, built on a sheer cliff. So, our stone stairs do not go up to the fort.

While reading the paper, I suddenly change the conversation. Not far from here, over in county Kerry several UFOs were sighted. Want to take a look, as long as we’re sightseeing? May as well see all there is, in case there really are UFOs or angels. I see Ciara roll her eyes as she walks out of the room. So, is that a yes?

If you really want to look at nothing, so you can say ‘I told you so’ and have the last laugh. Ha.

Excitedly agreeing, I quickly change and grab my coat, and hand Ciara hers. We’d best get going. With the sun setting a little after eight, it will be dark by the time we drive there?

What difference does it make? If there’s UFOs or angel lights to see, it’ll be easier to see them at night? Besides, along the coast it’ll be romantic to sit under the stars, even if nothing shows up.

Snuggling close to me, Ciara says, Hmm. I like the way you think. Do we have enough petrol in the car? It’ll be cold sitting out in the open along the coast, so we’ll need to keep the motor running.

I filled it earlier just in case we were going.

You had this planned all along, didn’t you? Scowling at me, then laughing at my chagrined look. It’ll be fun, and if it gets late, we can find a place to stay for the night so we don’t have to drive back. Maybe have some fun along the way, she says.

Now look who’s thinking. I snicker.

Later, sitting out under the stars, nibbling on the snacks I’d brought, its cold and I shiver. It’s cold, and we haven’t seen anything other than stars. I’m not complaining. The air so crisp and clear, the night sky is fabulous, but no aliens to carry us away. Maybe we should leave.

Okay. No flying saucers tonight. Inserting the key in the ignition, Brian presses the gas and brake, as instructed, then turned the key, but the motor won’t turn over. It won’t start. He tries several more times with no luck.

You put plenty of petrol in, right? Though I know he did; he’s very exacting about that sort of thing.

The issue is, there’s no cell service out here. We might have to trek back to that small village we drove past earlier.

At least I’m wearing a warm coat, I say as I climb out of the car and start walking down the road hand-in-hand with Brian. However, after an hour of walking, I stop. How much longer until we reach this village? It feels like we’ve been walking forever and it’s getting colder.

We should have found it by now. Brian scans our surroundings which consist only of shrubs and a steep rocky hillside looming in the darkness. Maybe those stairs will lead us somewhere. He takes my hand and helps me up as we ascend a set of stone stairs carved into the hillside.

I don’t remember seeing any houses on our drive today, not this far out. Did you? I question imagining more people would live in such a beautiful area.

No, I didn’t. But hopefully there’s some kind of shelter up there. Brian responds with a smile, trying to lighten the mood and knowing I’m cold, he pulls me close to him, hoping to add some more warmth.

We continue climbing slowly, searching for some form of refuge. I’m exhausted, Brian. Can we take a break? Plus, it has to be at least two or three in the morning by now. Nothing will be open.

Just a few more steps, Brian urges. I see a door up ahead in the hillside. Maybe we can rest inside if we can get in. He walks towards the door set into the side of the hill and knocks, but there’s no response. So, he knocks harder and the door slowly opens. What the heck? I don't hear anyone. He peers inside then pushes the door open further, revealing an empty room. I don’t think anyone lives here.

Well, let’s just go in and get warm. If someone comes, they can tell us to leave, I suggest and enter the room. We both jump when the door snaps shut behind us.

I STAND STILL, LETTING my eyes adjust to the darkness. I begin to notice pinpricks of light, growing brighter as I move forward. Then, I notice the walls; they’re transparent, lacey white and rounded. Oh look, Brian. There are stars all around. It’s a tunnel of light. How glorious! I heard an astronaut say, ‘The heavens are painted in a thick coat of awesome-sauce!’ He was viewing the stars from space. My eyes are round as saucers as I stares mesmerized.

Brian stumbles in shock at the sight. Never did I imagine anything like this. It cannot be real. He slumps to the floor, dumbfounded, and seems unable to move or attend to the celestial sight.

You believe in peculiar phenomenon, like lights in the sky, yet now you’re catatonic at the sight of real stars? Get up and enjoy the experience. Taking his hand I pull him to his feet. What are we seeing here? I demand an answer from him, but Brian, face pale, stares not grasping what is before his eyes. His head moves side to side, as if he’s negating the magnificent scene.

I don’t know. Nothing in the literature ever mentioned an event like what we’re seeing. It’s as if we’re in space itself, with stars all about. He looks at me and shrugs. Do you imagine we’re in that place and this is a trick, a magician’s gambit? Though I don’t know what its purpose would be, or how anyone could accomplish such a feat, not without Hollywood behind it.

If that were the case, there would have been some sign. Movie theatrics require a lot of equipment. Besides, how would they know we were going to be here in the middle of the night?

It could be automated, his voice a near whisper for he did not himself believe any of what he postulated. I get the sense we’re also moving, not stationary. If so, we should end back at the door where we came in, and someone will have an explanation.

If it’s for a rich guy’s amusement, I am not amused, I glower, look around and down, seeing only stars. I believe you’re right. We are moving, and those stars we’re passing are whizzing by, fast. Do you have any idea where we’re being taken? Brian doesn’t answer so, I lie down, gaze out at the stars, and together we watch them fly by. It feels like hours later when we awaken, having fallen asleep. Suddenly, the tunnel seems to darken as the starlight dims, and before us hangs a curtain of leaves clinging to gnarly branches. It would appear we’ve come to the end of our journey. Care to step out of our space craft? I reaches for Brian’s hand. We had expected the hillside in Ireland, but beyond the curtain of leaves, it is bright outside, so we know it is no longer night.

Brushing leaves aside, we step out into a landscape totally unfamiliar; the Ireland we left the night before is no more. We’re not in Kansas anymore. Brian jokes. The air is warm, so we remove our coats and hang them on nearby branches.

MY VOICE BREAKS THE silence as I look around at the unfamiliar landscape, nothing like the green hills of Ireland. There isn't a car in sight, certainly not ours, and no ocean either.

The sunlight casts everything in a vibrant and enchanting light, making it seem almost magical. I can't help but whisper my wonder, "Have we stumbled into the realm of fairies or